20th Anniversary Dream Trip Contest

Great Travel Moment

On my very first visit to Japan, in 1997, I was told to find the Hama Rikyu gardens, near the Tsukiji Fish Market. It took me awhile, since I spent untold hours walking around the fish market, but I finally found it. Ever since that day, whenever I'm in Japan, either living there or returning for a visit, Hama Rikyu has remained my favorite place. There are other gardens in and around Tokyo, and some wonderful ones throughout Honshu, but this place keeps drawing me back. On my last visit I was just strolling along the pond, looking at the teahouse, when I found this scene in front of me and knew I'd captured what I so love about the tranquility of a garden in the heart of 30 million people.