Occupying just under an eighth of a full region (which itself leverages the additional land capacity bonus available to private regions) sits Sakura Cranes, as attractive, Japanese / oriental themed setting created by Brian Ravenhurst, and which I recently visited by way of the Second Life Destination Guide. It is actually one of three parcels within the region Brian has designed, but will be the focus of this article – the other two can be reached via the raised walkway which wends its way through a part of Sakura Cranes.
The setting has – according to its About Land description – been inspired by the Takedera Temple, which I believe is a reference / alternate name for the Hôkoku-ji Temple (although the date given in the About Land description differs to that for Hôkoku-ji) – and additionally known as the Bamboo Temple, on account of its position deep within a bamboo garden. Like Hôkoku-ji, Sakura Cranes has its own bamboo feature – a curtain of tall trees which act as a curtain of green running west-to-east between the rocks and walls forming the north-south borders of the parcel.
South of this curtain and sitting high on the cliffs, sits an ancient pavilion guarded by two kitsune foxes as steps climb gracefully down along the instep of the long foot of rock extending northwards from the pavilion’s perch. Torii gates mark the stairway as reaches a raised wooden walkway set over mist-shrouded ground, the mist broken in several places by fingers of rock pointing to the sky. The bell towers of a shine sit either side of the walkway as it reaches another pavilion, this one set between the arms of the bamboo curtain, offering a view over a large body of water fed by dragon fountains and partially shaded by Sakura blossoms.
A second walkway winds through the bamboo trees, this one splitting so that one arm forms the connection to the neighbouring parcels, and the other to span – by way of a slightly off-centre bridge – the water and descend to the lowlands bordering the water on the far side. This northern half of the region presents a rich, calming garden. Gravel and cobble paths wind their way over the grass and down over the rocks and under the boughs of bamboo, Sakura and other trees as then pass between an assortment of buildings.
The garden is reached by another walkway and wooden steps descending from the bridge, a pair of open gates to one side provide access to a small market area, a further gateway providing the means to loop back along the path paralleling the fountain-fed waters, passing under the bridge as it does so. At the far end of the this path is a shaded place in which to spend time, whilst mid-way along the path stepping-stones pass over the water to reach another place to pass the time playing a Chinese gu zheng within an open-sided pagoda rising from the rippling waters.
Mirroring the stepping stones crossing the water is a second set, these passing over the grass of the gardens to reach a teahouse where another gu zheng sits, together with the opportunity to enjoy some tea and appreciate the artist’s studio on the upper floor.
The tea-house is one of four structures within the low gardens, excluding the little market. Of the remaining three, one is a small shrine sitting next to the teahouse, around which a gravel path loops on its way north. The remaining two, located at the northern extreme of the setting and separated by another curtain of bamboo and a further body of water, are two rental homes. Both were available at the time of my visit, but this might not always be the case, so do please be careful about trespassing on people’s privacy. The waters between these two houses forms a home for a small boat, open to the public and offering another place to pass the time – possibly in contemplation of Buddha as he watches over the water.
With lanterns together with kites floating overhead, Japanese cranes dancing and nesting in or near the waters, and with enough paths winding through the landscape, Sakura Cranes offers a lot to appreciate within its comfortable, small space – and does so without ever feeling overcrowded for its size or in any way enclosed. In other words, it makes for a perfect and relaxing visit.
Recommended!
SLurl Details
- Sakura Cranes (Soundstation, rated Moderate)
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