Come for the wisteria, stay for the only-in-Japan sights!

Sometimes you just have to take a trip outside Tokyo to see things you can’t see in town, and these four destinations are absolutely worth the travel time during wisteria season. If you’re in Japan in late April to early May, GO! • ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK This first one is all wisteria all the time,ContinueContinue reading “Come for the wisteria, stay for the only-in-Japan sights!”

Where to see the best wisteria in Tokyo

You haven’t seen wisteria until you’ve ogled the giant purple vines of Tokyo. Not only is each plant astoundingly huge and lush with garlands of blooms, the streamers of flowers can be nearly a meter long! Here are my favorite places to see them in Tokyo: • NISHIARAI DAISHI TEMPLE This year is the firstContinueContinue reading “Where to see the best wisteria in Tokyo”

Where To See The Most Divine Lotus Blossoms In Tokyo

Most flower seasons in Japan are like hitting the jackpot, but lotus season is more of a treasure hunt. Instead of fields of I-can’t-believe-my-eyes color, you have to hunt for the sublime pinkness amid a sea of green. But when you find it… <swoon!> Lotus flowers open at first light, are at their best fromContinueContinue reading “Where To See The Most Divine Lotus Blossoms In Tokyo”

Where To See Magical Red Autumn Lilies In Tokyo

This photo was taken at Kinchakuda, near Koma station. Higanbana generally burst into bloom right after the first big rain of mid-September. These Japanese amaryllis bloom once a year for only a few days, right at the fall equinox. If you move fast, you can still catch the higanbana in their full glory right now!ContinueContinue reading “Where To See Magical Red Autumn Lilies In Tokyo”

Where To See The Best Fall Leaves In Tokyo

I hope you’re all rested up from our cherry blossom death march last spring, because it’s time to strap on your camera and a couple of extra batteries to hunt down the best autumn leaves in Tokyo! Here are my picks, from momiji season through ginkgo: Arranged from earliest to latest: SHOWA KINEN PARK There areContinueContinue reading “Where To See The Best Fall Leaves In Tokyo”

Today’s Cute Little Season: Winter

One thing I have to say about the seasons in Japan is that they’re relentlessly picturesque. And convenient! When I woke up Wednesday morning, I looked out the window and was delighted to see it had been snowing since 3:00 a.m. – even my ho-hum neighborhood had a charming blanket of white. There was enoughContinueContinue reading “Today’s Cute Little Season: Winter”