The Imperial garden parties held in the Spring, for viewing the cherry blossoms, have rendered this garden familiar to most residents and visitors. Prior to the Restoration, the site was occupied by the summer palace of the Shogun, called the Hama-goten, or "Palace of the Coast," and it formed a favourite resort during the hot season, situated on the shore of the Tokio Bay. The garden was designed with considerable imagination and skill to suggest famous views in Japan, such as,� Matsushima; the Eight views of Omi; and different coast scenery. "Swallow Teahouse," "Pine-tree Tea-house," "Thatched Tea-house," "Hut of the Salt-coast," "Ocean View Hill," "Fujisan-viewing Hill," "Azuma Arbour," and "Trellissed Arbour" were a few of the names given to particular features of the grounds, some of which remain still intact. The upper illustration of Plate V shows the garden-lake and surrounding hillocks overgrown with evergreens and clipped bushes. In the centre of the lake may be seen one of the pine-clad islets connected to the shores by bridges. The lower illustration exhibits the long double wooden bridge, with intermediate pavilion, which crosses the lake in two right angle lines. The further bridge is roofed with trellis-work, overgrown with wistarias which make a splendid show of flowers in the early summer. A large quantity of cherry trees of single and double blossom, planted on the lawns and hills surrounding the water, now form the chief attraction of this Imperial villa garden.
