Tenshaen Garden

Tenshaen Garden (天赦園) is a lovely mid-sized Japanese garden located southwest of Uwajima Castle. It was built in 1866 as a recreational venue by the ruling lord from the Date Clan. The garden offers changing scenery depending on the seasons and was one of the lords favorite spots to practice his calligraphy. Harusametei, an artistic-looking calligraphy room frequented by the lord, still stands at the center of the garden today.

In front of Harusametei is a pond in the shape of the kanji "kokoro", meaning "heart" in English. Photogenic views of the pond and Harusametei can be enjoyed together with strategically placed rocks, stone lanterns and pine trees that enhance the scenery. Around mid-April, wisteria flowers are usually in bloom, including an arch bridge fully lined with white wisteria that spans over the pond. Bamboo groves are another feature of Tenshaen. Around 20 varieties of bamboo trees can be found here, providing a subtle charm to the garden year-round.