May – Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan

Korakuen Area

The Korakuen neighborhood is a great mix of venerable and modern entertainment, from the quirky thrills of Japanese baseball to a centuries-old stroll garden to an amusement park with a roller coaster that zooms right through a skyscraper. It’s an especially good place to go in June for the iris garden, anytime from April throughContinueContinue reading “Korakuen Area”

The Tokyo Toilets

Have your own perfect day exploring the seventeen amazing toilets designed by famous architects that were featured in the Wim Wenders film “Perfect Days.” If you want to see the transparent ones turn opaque when you flip the lock on the door, go between April and October, when the weather is warm enough for theContinueContinue reading “The Tokyo Toilets”

Kiyosumi Teien Garden

This garden is the most undiscovered jewel in Tokyo, and a stroll around its serene pond is calming at any time of year. Designed as a green oasis, there are still a few floral surprises hidden away. If you venture into the back garden in May, that’s where they keep the irises tucked away… ThisContinueContinue reading “Kiyosumi Teien Garden”

Kamakura Day Trip

Kamakura is so close, it’s practically in Tokyo, and there’s no better day trip than seeing some of the most entertaining and unique shrines and temples in the country, all in one place. It’s especially excellent in late March – early April for the cherry blossom promenade down the center of town, in June forContinueContinue reading “Kamakura Day Trip”

Hama-Rikyu Teien Garden

This garden is huge, with a teahouse on the big pond’s island where you can enjoy a bowl of tea. It’s a great place to visit any time of year, but especially eyepopping in February when the plum grove is in bloom, and in late March to early April for the cherry blossoms. Peonies andContinueContinue reading “Hama-Rikyu Teien Garden”

Kyū Shiba-Rikyu Garden

This garden isn’t huge, but it’s choice. In any season, it’s one of the best places to take photos showing ancient and modern side by side in Japan, but it’s especially known for its plum blossoms in late February to early March, and its wisteria in late April to early May. Kyū Shiba-Rikyu Garden isContinueContinue reading “Kyū Shiba-Rikyu Garden”

Jindai Botanical Gardens

This garden isn’t just beautifully designed for strolling, its flower displays in every season rival the cherry blossoms for sheer WOW. It’s most famous for the plum grove that begins to bloom in February, the cherry blossoms in March, its incredible display of azaleas in April, its wisteria in late April to early May, andContinueContinue reading “Jindai Botanical Gardens”

Ryōgoku Area

Ryōgoku is home to two of the first things people think of when they hear the word “Japan”: sumo wrestling and woodblock prints. The Tokyo sumo tournaments happen for ten days every January, May and September. The sumo stadium is right next to Ryōgoku Station, and watching a sumo match is like nothing you’ve everContinueContinue reading “Ryōgoku Area”