Rakuju-en, Japanese garden and zoo in Mishima, Japan
Rakuju-en is a Japanese garden and zoo in Mishima, built on volcanic lava from Mount Fuji. The property includes Obama pond, traditional buildings, and carefully landscaped grounds spread across a large area.
A prince established this as a private villa in 1890, which later passed to the Korean Crown Prince. After World War II, the grounds were opened to the public.
The Rakuju Hall displays artworks from the Meiji period with traditional Japanese architectural styles that change with the seasons. Visitors can see how classical art forms and building design work together throughout the year.
The grounds are open daily and offer different areas to explore and walk through. A map near the entrance helps you find the main attractions and pathways.
Obama pond is fed by underground springs that carry snowmelt directly from Mount Fuji. This hidden water system is essential to the garden's landscape, though visitors don't see where the water comes from.
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