Nansho so@Shimizu cho, Morioka
Since spring came and cherry trees started blooming, I went Nansho so which is known for beautiful garden.
Along Nakatsugawa river and through a quiet residential area, there was a quiet traditional house. At the entrance, a receptionist welcomed us warmly. The tatami made entrance was decorated with some Japanese traditional dolls and cute handcrafted cloth articles. When we opened Fusuma(sliding screen), there was traditional Japanese style wooden rooms. Through the surrounding window, sunlight came into the space with the reflection of green colors of outside trees.
At Nansho no ma, the largest room of that house, the deep brown glossy floor was really beautiful with the reflection of sunlight. We can order to have some coffee or green tea at the verandah seat. Of course we can go outside and walk around that garden. We could enjoy 30% bloom Yamazakura. At the pond a duck family was swimming.
■Known for Movie shooting site
Nansho so was built in 1885. It is designated as a protected garden by Morioka city and visually significant historical building. Depend on the season, some events held there like concerts or festivals. In recent year, it is known for the shooting site of a movie named ‘March comes in Like a Lion’. This is the movie deeply related with Shogi and in this place the main character played a shogi game with his strong rival. There were the exhibition of shooting records and the autographs of the actors. Also there was Shogi board.The director Keishi Otomo was from Morioka.
I heard in autumn the foliage there is really beautiful. Not only as the sightseeing spot in Morioka, I recommend that when you spend your day off just by looking out on the nature in the garden and just spent the time slowly.
