Chrysanthemum growers,
You are the slaves
Of chrysanthemums.
I must admit I didn’t fully understand Basho’s haiku until I saw these astonishing examples of chrysanthemum husbandry at the Yushima Tenjin Shrine last weekend…


If you’d like to visit the Yushima Shrine the next time you’re in Tokyo, visit my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.
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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon

“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist
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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
love them the white ones are so gorgeous often represented in ukiyoe
You’re right! And in haiku, too. Actually one of my very favorites is:
Before the white chrysanthemum
The scissors hesitate,
A moment.
I always think of the ones at the Meiji Shrine when I read it.