The Bamboo Temple This Kamakura temple is a must-see for its towering bamboo forest, its exquisite garden-like grounds, and its teahouse, where you can enjoy a delicious bowl of mattcha while contemplating the gently-swaying bamboo. Lovely in every season, it’s a particularly welcome destination in the summer months when the bamboo dials the temperature downContinueContinue reading “Hōkoku-ji Temple”
Tag Archives: November
Kyu-Furukawa Garden
Kyu-Furukawa garden is a fascinating mix of before and after Japan opened to the West in 1868, with a jewel of a Japanese garden seamlessly integrated with a European-style rose garden and Meiji Era mansion. Especially nice in June when the roses are in bloom, and in November for autumn leaf season. This garden surroundsContinueContinue reading “Kyu-Furukawa Garden”
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”
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
For centuries, this shrine has been so famous for its wisteria that Hiroshige featured it in his “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” woodblock prints. Best times to visit are January for the Bullfinch Festival, mid-February to early March for plum blossoms, late April to early May for the grand wisteria, and November to seeContinueContinue reading “Kameido Tenjin Shrine”
Yanaka Area
Cats are the unofficial mascot of Yanaka, one of the quirkiest (and undiscovered) Old Tokyo neighborhoods. It’s filled with traditional shops, shrines and temples, and is a must-visit in April, when the Nezu Shrine’s can’t-believe-your-eyes azaleas are in bloom. The shrine also puts on a lively celebration of New Year’s in January, and celebrates theContinueContinue reading “Yanaka Area”
Showa Kinen Park
The journey out to Tachikawa Station to see Showa Kinen Park is well worth it, especially if you’ve got kids. There are many huge (and unique!) playgrounds, kilometers of bike paths, boat rentals, swimming pools, a Japanese garden with a bonsai collection, and the biggest flower displays in Tokyo. Especially worth seeing are the cherryContinueContinue reading “Showa Kinen Park”
Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is still within Tokyo city limits, but it feels like a world away! You can ogle plum blossoms in February, walk across hot coals in March, hoist a cold one with a great view all summer, or hike and enjoy the monkey park any time of year. Climbing this mountain has its rewards!ContinueContinue reading “Mt. Takao”
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”
Nezu Shrine
The Nezu Shrine is a great place to see a pristine red and gold Shintō shrine and experience a lively celebration of New Year’s in January, as well as brilliant autumn leaves in November. What it’s most famous for, though, is its can’t-believe-your-eyes azalea display in April. Come for the beautiful red and gold shrine,ContinueContinue reading “Nezu Shrine”
Kanda Myōjin Shrine
How could the gods resist granting THESE prayers? The Kanda Myōjin shrine is in the heart of Akihabara—the cosplay, anime and video game heaven—so it’s no surprise that this is where manga artists pray for success! It’s also an excellent place to do some kimono-spotting in January and November on the traditional coming-of-age days. Sure,ContinueContinue reading “Kanda Myōjin Shrine”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 