7 Must-Visit Spots in and around Matsue
Experience Japan's rich culture and history without the crowds of major tourist destinations in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.
The Old Town of Sawara: The Ideal Day Trip from Narita Airport
From centuries-old buildings to botanical gardens and picturesque canals, the Edo-era town of Sawara is a joy to discover—and a short distance from Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
Revel in Nature's Splendor at Shinjuku Gyoen
While some go to Yoyogi Park for the lively community, others go to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the largest parks in Tokyo, for the breathtaking beauty in every season.
Get Artsy at This Gorgeous Art Retreat Garden
Found at the foot of the Nasu Mountains just north of Tokyo is Art Biotop, an art retreat offering classes in pottery and glass-blowing along with spa treatments. But a major highlight is the water garden created by master architect Junya Ishigami.
More Autumn Colors: Glorious Rose Gardens Near Tokyo
As the leaves of trees all over Japan begin to change colors, don't forget to also check out these autumn roses coming into full bloom!
Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks
The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.
An Early Spring Spectacle: 10 Spots in and Around Tokyo for Plum Blossom Viewing
While cherry blossoms often take the spotlight in late spring, plum blossoms are their lesser-known, early-blooming cousin that are equally appealing!
Making Herbal Tea at Oyakuen Medicine Garden
Herbs and other botanicals with healing properties have been used for medicinal purposes in Japan for centuries. I had a chance to learn more about the historical cultivation of such plants, and make my own blend for tea, at Oyaku-en in Aizu Wakamatsu.
Imperial Bonsai Ready for New Year
Imperial Household Agency gardeners are preparing traditional potted plants that will be used as decoration in the New Year period.
Water, Rocks, Plants, and More: Five Types of Japanese Gardens
There’s more to Japanese gardens than beautiful landscaping. Come stroll through the history of five types of gardens you should explore on your next trip.
The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City
A long-time resident shares her knowledge of mouth-watering local food spots, great shopping and open green space in one of Japan's most fascinating regional capitals.
See How Trees Get Their Winter Rope Umbrellas
Have you ever wondered how the gardeners at Kenroku-en put up ropes on the trees to protect them from snow this winter? We've got just the video for you.
Fall Flowers in Full Bloom in Hamarikyu Garden
Hundreds of thousands of cosmos flowers are in full bloom, wooing visitors to this gorgeous park in central Tokyo.
The Queen of the Night Blooms Only Once a Year
Visitors gather in Aichi Prefecture, in central Japan, to get a glimpse of a special flower, the "Queen of the Night," a cactus flower that only blooms once a year in the evening, and withers by morning.
Nostalgic Trip to a Beloved Tokyo Neighborhood
The Shibamata neighborhood on the outskirts of Tokyo retains the essence of the city’s “everyman” past. An iconic films series has helped to preserve its charms.
The World’s Stinkiest Flowers Bloom in Ibaraki
Japan is known for many clean, delicious and tantalizing smells, but Tsukuba Botanical Garden just bloomed a 2-meter tall corpse flower, titan arum, that gives off a foul odor.
One of the Oldest Japanese Gardens in Tokyo
Koishikawa Korakuen is arguably one of the oldest and most exquisite traditional Japanese gardens in Tokyo. Like all Japanese gardens, you can find picture-perfect miniature hills, ponds, stones, trees, and vibrant flowers and foliage.
A Walk Through Tokyo History: Yotsuya to Shinjuku on the Koshu Kaido Road
Historical Site Tokyo Day Trips
A guide to walking through the center of Tokyo on the course of the Koshu Kaido road, one of the five routes that connected the old city of Edo with the provinces. Among the modern buildings and bustling streets are remnants of a remarkable past.
Happo-en: a Japanese Garden Hidden in Tokyo
Happo-en is a hidden gem featuring a traditional tea house, koi pond, bonsai, cherry trees, and everything else a Japanese garden should have.
Winter at the Adachi Museum of Art: Superb Rosanjin Collection in Shimane
Best known for its gardens and collection of nihonga painting, the Adachi Museum of Art now has a hall dedicated to epicure Kitaoji Rosanjin.
