In the botanical garden, I enjoyed a scenic walk on a winding path in the lush woods. I saw some squirrels nimbly running around and woodpeckers busily pecking. There were benches here and there. How wonderful it would be to read a book sitting on a bench under a tree!
![DSC_1206](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1206-687x1024.jpg)
The path led me to a pretty garden, where the garden staff were planting young pansies. Near this garden, I found an elegant hand-carved gazebo built as early as the 19th century.
![DSC_1211](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1211-1024x687.jpg)
![DSC_1222](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1222-1024x687.jpg)
I found autumn decorations made of natural materials around the carriage house. The last time I came here in December 2017, it was freezing cold. I remember drinking hot chocolate, which warmed me up, and having a nice conversation with a staff member there. In autumn, the atmosphere was very different with colored leaves. The garden in autumn was warm, pleasant, and graceful.
![DSC_1229](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1229-1024x687.jpg)
![DSC_1232](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1232-1024x687.jpg)
![DSC_1226](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1226-1024x687.jpg)
It was also nice to walk around the lake. The lake was picturesque from any viewpoint, but I especially liked the view with a tree house. There was also a Japanese garden by the lake. I imagined how wonderful it would be if my BFF visited Japan someday and we could explore Japanese gardens together.
![DSC_1233](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1233-1024x687.jpg)
![DSC_1237](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dsc_1237-1024x687.jpg)
(To be continued…)