One of the many things that the Japanese are proud of is their beautiful gardens, which are botanical and cultural treasures. This is because they do not only have to do with a strict gardening, but they pay tribute to the culture and history of their country. If someone wants to visit a Japanese garden and admire the beautiful view of the famous cherry blossoms up close, one does not need to travel to the distant Land of the Rising Sun, as there are now Japanese gardens in many big cities around the world.
The first Japanese garden in Athens was created in the Nereidon Park, next to Michalakopoulou Street, at the height of the National Gallery, within the framework of the “Adopt your city” program of the Municipality of Athens. The Japanese Garden of Athens, created with the support of JT International Hellas and under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan, is the first theme park in the city. For the construction of the Japanese garden, 180 cubic meters of concrete were removed from curbs and rubble, which were deposited at Michalakopoulou’s construction sites at the specific point. Also, 350 cubic meters of fertile soil were transferred, small hills were created to increase the area and 50 trees and 3,000 new shrubs were planted, small and large.
The Japanese garden combines the revitalization of this green space with the highlighting of the elements of Japanese philosophy and tradition, it is a new park across 3.5 acres and creates a green oasis in a densely populated area. The garden is composed of dense vegetation and water in seven zones, considering the principles of the Japanese culture with a balanced alternation of elements of land, water and fire. However, there are species combined from both Japanese and Mediterranean flora in order for the result to be equally sustainable and in harmony with the landscape.
Why was the Japanese Garden created
The garden used to be a neglected park, which one would say went overlooked. Now, the concrete from the area is removed and inside the garden there is paved gravel, so you can hear your footsteps as you walk, thus having a sense of grounding. The purpose of the Japanese Garden is not just to be another park to be ignored, but to choose to cross it and enjoy all that it has to offer. Apart from the beautiful landscape that one will see there and will relax his eyes and mind from the noisy everyday life of Athens, he can also discover the various surprises that hide in the garden. For example, one can sit on the wooden benches stuck in the ground looking at the Art Gallery, on the upper floor of which there is a large work by Eggonopoulos that is illuminated. It is a different, magical experience that in the past one could not enjoy, as it would be difficult to enter the area and even sit in it.
The Japanese Garden is a must-see for both locals and visitors, as it can offer you a sense of tranquility and calmness.
