It’s hard to argue that this isn’t the must-see chrysanthemum diorama every year. These kiku ningyo (sacred chrysanthemum dolls) are sculpted from living plants, and every day they bloom a little more brightly

The Yushima Shrine has an unfair advantage, in that it’s gorgeous even without its fancy on, and during chrysanthemum season, its architecture provides the perfect frame for the traditional styles of flower training

Chrysanthemum season would not be complete without a floral calligraphy “Reiwa,” which is the name of the new imperial era that started when the new emperor ascended the – yes, it’s really called the – Chrysanthemum Throne this year

There are also some smaller displays of sculpted plants, in the shape of pagodas and daruma figures & such

…as well as the usual umbrellas o’ flower goodness and perfect fluffy flower bombs on a stick

It’s worth the trip out to Chofu, just to see the cartload of fox tails

But of course they also have perfect specimens of all the usual kinds…

…and the full complement of pagodas & Elvis pompadours…

…as well as an odd category, which is cascades of blooms in the shape of Shizuoka Prefecture

WHY

Jindai also has a robust collection of bonsai landscapes (I especially love this one, which features Mt. Fuji and the pirate ships that ply the waters of Lake Ashinoko)

There’s a special category of rather large bonsai landscapes represented too, like this one with vintage toy castles and temples

Hibiya Park has lots of every kind of chrysanthemum you can imagine, but the thing not to miss here is the various bonsai categories

These Xmas-tree-shaped ones come in every color

But there are lots of other styles too, including ones that have been trained to look like trees clinging to rustic cliff faces…

And miniature landscapes, where chrysanthemums are king

Of course, they have the usual perfect examples of unusual types and colors

…including these, which are the tallest freaking chrysanthemums I’ve ever seen (oyaji for scale)