tokyo
Exploring Plum and Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Gardens: Top Viewing Spots
It is the end of February and we already hit the time of plum blossoms with only one month left until famous cherry blossom season starts! Today I want to introduce some gardens, which hosts great plum and/ or cherry trees! The early plum blossoms in Japanese gardens are often underestimated. When the plums start […]
いい庭の日 – Good Garden Day 2025
On 11/28 is ii Niwa no Hi – Good Garden Day! People in Japan enjoy wordplay and number puns, which leads to some amusing celebration days (for example, Good Tooth Day…). The 28th of November has now become known as Good Garden Day.Here’s how the numbers are read: 1 – ichi → i1 – ichi → i2 – ni → ni8 – and this one is a little tricky, […]
Yukizuri – 雪吊り
Hamarikyu garden When visiting Japanese gardens in winter, one will recognize some strange ropes and mats around the pine trees and some other plants. These are called Yukizuri 雪吊り and Fuyugakui 冬囲い. Both are meant to protect the trees from the weight of snow. In Tokyo there is seldom so much snow, that the trees need […]
Japan Garden Travel Guide: Planning a Trip to Japan
Planning a Trip to Japan: A Guide for Garden Enthusiast Planning a trip to Japan is an exciting journey, especially if you’re passionate about gardens. Here’s a comprehensive Japan garden travel guide to help you design the perfect itinerary, focusing on the best seasons, destinations, and accommodations for your garden-themed trip. Best Time to Visit […]
The Ninomaru Garden of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
It’s already been a week since I am back to work and it passed too fast! However, now I had time to finish and publish our new eBook about the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. HOW TO ENTER When I first visited the Imperial Palace, I was quite confused by the entrance procedure… Although there is […]
Best Wisteria (Fuji) Spots in Tokyo and Japan
Wisteria Splendor at Ashikaga Flower Park When it comes to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Wisteria floribunda, commonly known as “Fuji” in Japanese, Ashikaga Flower Park stands out as a premier destination. Nestled in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, this park has undergone a transformation, becoming synonymous with the enchanting allure of Wisteria thanks to the visionary […]
Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Seasonal Beauty in Japanese Gardens
When one thinks of Japanese gardens, the image of delicate cherry blossoms in full bloom often comes to mind. While cherry blossoms certainly hold a special place in Japanese culture and aesthetics, there is much more to the seasonal beauty found within these meticulously curated landscapes. Japanese gardens, known for their tranquility and harmonious blend […]
Top Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Japanese Gardens
Of course the cherry blossom is very much better known than the plum blossom I mentioned in a previous blog post. And yes, it is really great to stand under a whole sea of pink! I guess most visitors to Japan know the Japanese term for cherry – Sakura – because it is this famous. […]
Hōraijima of Rikugien
The Rikugien garden was initially built by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu from 1695 until 1702. In 1868 it was purchased by Iwasaki Yataro who remodeled the garden to his needs but kept the heart of the garden – the theme of Waka poetry. However, he added many elements. So also the Hōraijima in the pond. Jima is […]
Walking through the Imperial Palace
Hi there! You’re in Tokyo? Maybe staying at Tokyo Family Stay’s Conoe Sanbancho’s Apartment?And you would like to see a park or garden? Then let’s go for a walk! A walk around and through the Tokyo Imperial Palace! Of course, you can start on any side of the Imperial Palace but since we are collaborating […]