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Not the whole site surrounding the kantei
is walled. The boundary with the road on the north side of the kantei
consists of a stream and bamboo forest, with the wall quite a long
way back from the perimeter.
The stream, which is about one meter wide, is paved with granite,
rippling the water as it flows. Because the kantei site slopes
down from east to west, the stream water flowing from the east collects
in a wide, shallow pond on the west side of the kantei, and
the water is then recycled by pump. A several meter-high wall stands
in one corner of the pond, with water running off the top and creating
a waterfall.
The bamboo forest grows on the bank of the small stream, and is made
up the contrasting colors of small, low-growing bamboos and the flowers
of each season which are planted there.
When the second phase of construction removing and rebuilding the
former kantei on the south side is complete, the Front Garden
will also be reincarnated.
First, the reconstruction will considerably widen the space for the
Front Garden. The resited former kantei will be earthquake-proofed
and its interior renovated for rebirth as the Prime Minister's official
residence (living quarters).
There is currently a makeshift gate on the north side, but when reconstruction
is complete, this north gate will be upgraded for everyday use. In
addition, there are plans to build a main gate on the east side to
serve as the entrance for state and official guests. |
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