Flower extravaganzas of Japan: Way beyond cherry blossoms!

At the Ashikaga Flower Park Cherries, schmerries, everyone crowds in to see the fluffy pink things, but they aren’t the only flower extravaganza to see in Japan! Not only will your friends be green with envy when you show them photos of these beauties, you’ll skip the jostling crowds and high-season prices. • Plum blossomsContinueContinue reading “Flower extravaganzas of Japan: Way beyond cherry blossoms!”

Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku is a neighborhood of contrasts, from the neon glow of the Kabukichō red light district on one hand, to the serene treescape and floral wonderland of Shinjuku Gyō-en National Garden on the other. The garden is especially worth a visit in February for the plum blossoms, mid-March through mid-April for every variety of cherryContinueContinue reading “Shinjuku Area”

Yushima Shrine

I think the Yushima Shrine is the most beautiful shrine in Tokyo, and it’s especially worth seeing in February during plum blossom season and in November to celebrate the can’t-believe-your-eyes bonsai chrysanthemums. I love the Yushima shrine because it’s a fabulous example of Imperial shrines, which are built of unlacquered cedar with gold leaf detailing,ContinueContinue reading “Yushima Shrine”