We have arrived at Mibu Recreational park in Japan. Teresa has planned a surprise by visiting this park. I am anxious to see what is going on here?
This little fellow was heading over to one of the riding animals.
Well, we have reached the location of the beautiful gardens. I can see hundreds of tulips so I'm going to get some shots of the beauty that is before me.
I see a group of ladies that were taking a break and having a snack and some hot tea. I said OhayĆgozaimasu to them. They smiled thinking I could speak Japanese. As soon as they started talking they knew I could not speak their language. Teresa came to save me, the group offered us some sweets and tea. After some communication, we found out the group volunteers to take care of the gardens here at the park. Wow, what a big job and these gardens are so beautiful. Teresa and I enjoying our morning break with the group.
I wanted a group picture before they all started off back to work. So happy we have met this great group of people.
More pictures of flowers from the gardens
Awe, there they go Up, UP and AWAY............
The carp fish are flying high..
Beatiful view of the Japanese garden
Many beautiful cherry trees are in the park
Walking along and we saw many big plastic bags on the ground and several men. A smile comes on my face when I see they are taking big windsock carp fish from the bags. The carp socks were all various sizes. We watched as the men hung the carp fish on cable hoping to see them raise the big line of carp fish. It started to look like they were having trouble getting the winch started to pull the cable of fish up. We decided to walk about the park for a while and see what else is in the park. :-)
Thought I should tell you why they hang carp fish. On May 5 it is a tradition to hang carp fish shaped streamers outside to represent the number of boys in their family. They also set out a warrior doll or other heroes inside their homes. The carp was chosen because it symbolizes strength and success, according to legend, a carp swam upstream to become a dragon.
As we walked around we saw the typical things you would expect to see in a park, but we kept walking as Teresa said there is a beautiful garden here we must see.
We came across an amusement park where big stuffed animals were outside that you could ride. You had to feed them 100 yen to ride. Inside the big building were lots of electronic games they could play.
Large stuffed animals for children to ride at a cost.
This one is oh so cute.
This one is oh so cute.
Time to head back to see if the park people have the carp fish flying yet. Well, not yet it looks like.
Marlon and I by the biggest carp fish hanging.....they are huge !!!
Beatiful view of the Japanese garden
Me and my BFF Teresa 
After park and Tochigi City museum we went to get cup of coffee at a small cafe in the country. Teresa has been friends with him for a long time. To our surprise the owner told us to follow him and to our surprise we got to listen to a group of ladies who played Tiako drums. They were so good, after they played for us, Teresa got to try out the drums with the sensi of the group. To my amazement so did I. What a happy day.
Filling out information about us
