taking some time off in arakawa nature park: June 1 2024

saturday's weather has been sunny with a cool breeze. so after eating out, i decided to go for a walk at a nearby park. welcome to arakawa nature park.

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originally opened on 1974 with the central tennis area, baseball field, and children's playground, this park (荒川自然公園 in japanese) was built on an artificial ground over a waste water treatment plant. five years after, the south side with the active zone and pond was opened (right side of the map). the last addition was on 1996 with the creation of the pathways in the north side (left of the map above). ^source

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i entered by the north side and immediately passed the wide garden area. there were different varieties of roses in different colors still in bloom. a couple of couples were also seated at the benches enjoying the view and the comfort of each other's company. i stayed away and gave them the space they deserved.

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lots of birds were also present in the area. these birds hopped up the fields but flew away whenever i come close. it is best that they do so to be not that comfortable around people, although it is probably too late for that for they lived in the city.

i continued my walk and passed by some athletic people playing tennis, a sport i only dream to play. they seem to be new at the sport, perhaps members of a club or a class.

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onwards, i arrived at the pond. it is in here where i took some time to rest and enjoyed the setting sun. this picture is a big reminder that i am still in the city with that big building blocking the sun. but i am just here to refresh and enjoy the day. big kois were swimming in the waters i noticed, these were the dark ones which made them extra harder to detect.

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and there they were, the main attraction of this pond. it will not be called 白鳥の池 (swan pond) without these white birds swimming over the water. apparently, these birds dive their heads and long necks in the water in search for food. and they could hold that position for a minute just like the other bird above. i stayed for a bit longer in the hopes of capturing their two heads above water, but nopes they took turns diving.

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moving on the the azalea walls, this cat seemed to be the king in here. he wouldn't budge at all just staring at me in boredom.

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i finally reached the active area which i initially thought to be another playground. a small child was there with his dad when i came. i desperately looked for signs if an adult like me could try the installations but there were none so i resolved to taking pictures.

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it even had a mini obstacle course, at this point i was inches away from trying. if only the child and parent was not there. (in hindsight, it was probably for more active toddlers to test out there strength. the obstacles were quite short and would probably not withstand a 70kg me.)

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i headed back to the north gate. the swans were now by the shed probably preparing to sleep. i'd better ask their advice on how to sleep early. shrubs and trees of different types were planted on the perimeter. i have read signs saying that a type of butterfly could also be observed around the pond.

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as i was nearing the pond's exit, these ducks caught my eyes. eclipsed by the swans' presence, they were easy to miss. they were just there walking on the bank probably looking for something to eat or some place to rest. free to roam and free to fly, i wonder if they fly far away specially in the winter when birds migrate.

i ended my visit with an amazement. to build all of these on top of a treatment plant is quite an accomplishment and a great use of space. the treatment plant is useful by itself, but having a park where families and sports enthusiasts can enjoy on top of it is another layer of ingenuity. kudos to whoever came up with this idea.

Arakawa Nature Park

ADDRESS：8-25-3, Arakawa, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Area：61,068.03㎡
Establishment date：April,1974
Closed Days：1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
(except for holidays on Thursdays, where the park is open on the holiday, and closed the next day.)
December 29 ~ January 3

and as always, stay safe! AMPING KANUNAY!

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^{all content is by yours truly unless otherwise specified}

^{all photos are taken with a galaxy s23 ultra}

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