A Flower Lover's Guide to Tokyo

40 Walks for All Seasons
by Sumiko Enbutsu, photographs by Michiru Unae

Japan is well known for its sensitivity to the seasons, and its appreciation of the natural world has long been celebrated in the nation's literature and visual arts. Many of the plants acclaimed in the poetry of millennia ago are still enjoyed in parks, gardens, and flower shows today.

 In A Flower Lover's Guide to Tokyo, Sumiko Enbutsu has selected fifteen plants for both their iconic status in Japanese culture and their blooming season in order to provide all-year-round enjoyment for flower lovers of all nationalities. Starting with the national flower, the cherry blossom, she explains the historical and cultural background to each flower, and outlines easy-to-follow walking routes of the best spots to enjoy them in and around Tokyo.

While gazing on flowers in full bloom is a joy in itself, the experience of seeing them in their natural setting will be enriched by understanding many of the cultural references associated with them. Why do iris plantations often feature a zigzag bridge? Why is the chrysanthemum associated with longevity, and also with the imperial family of Japan? Why is the cherry blossom so beloved by the Japanese?

This delightful guide will be appreciated both by those who know Japan well, and by those visiting Tokyo for the first time. It will also provide inspiration for devotees of Japanese art and literature.

See Details