Cherry Blossom Map: Meguro River

Approximate bloom dates: Mar 25 – Apr 3

It’s the year 1784 and the shogun rules with an iron fist . . . except within the walled pleasure quarter of Yoshiwara.Inside the Great Gate, samurai law does not apply, and it’s women who pull the strings

The Samurai’s Octopus is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page…an enchanting, fascinating journey. You’re in for a treat.”
James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries

Tell me more!

And here are the other places I take my friends when they come to town

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had