Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

For those who appreciate modern and innovative architecture, Singapore is one of those countries to add to a must visit list. I confess that it doesn't attract me that much, but who knows, I might be surprised.

 

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. The largest of the gardens is Bay South Garden at 54 hectares (130 acres).

 

SG-463123, sent by Peggy.

Gardens by the Bay is part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a "Garden City" to a "City in a Garden". The stated aim is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.

Besides the Gardens by the Bay, this card also depicts the Marina Bay Sands Resort Hotel & Casino.

SG-234286, sent by Yen.

Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens' landscape with heights that range between 25 metres (82 ft) and 50 metres (160 ft). They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.

The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection of bromeliads such as Tillandsia, amongst other plants. 

There is an elevated walkway, the OCBC Skyway, between two of the larger Supertrees for visitors to enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the Gardens. A food and beverage outlet is planned atop the 50-metre (160 ft) Supertree. At night, the Supertrees come alive with a light and music show called the OCBC Garden Rhapsody. - in: wikipedia

JP-2311540

 "Onsen" is a Japanese word for a hot spring and the bathing facilities built around it, which are highly popular and part of the country's culture. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns that come with them.

 

Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉) is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts and is blessed with large volumes of high quality hot spring water said to cure every illness but lovesickness.
Well known as a hot spring resort for many centuries, Kusatsu's fame was further boasted by German doctor Erwin von Baelz, who served at the imperial court in the late 1800s and recommended Kusatsu for its water's health benefits.

 

JP-2311540, sent by Kumiko.

The Yubatake (湯畑, lit. "hot water field") is the symbol of Kusatsu and one of the resort's main sources of hot spring water. In fact, with an output of 5000 liters per minute, the Yubatake ranks among Japan's single most productive hot spring sources.
After bubbling to the surface at a temperature of more than 70 degrees Celsius and with a pleasant sulfur odor, the hot spring water is cooled down in the Yubatake's wooden conduits by a few degrees before it gets distributed to the various ryokan and public baths. In addition, sulfuric sediment (yunohana, lit. "hot water flowers") that collects in the wooden conduits over time is periodically harvested and sold as a type of "bath salt" at local shops.
Many ryokan and shops are clustered around the Yubatake and there is a steady stream of visitors, many of whom wear yukata and geta (traditional sandals) in the evening when the Yubatake is lit up. There is also a foot bath (ashiyu), that can be used for free. - in: https://www.japan-guide.com