Customer Reviews

A Flower Lover's Guide to Tokyo: 40 Walks for All Seasons

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We just returned from a mid winter trip to Tokyo. This book was an incredible guide for an off the beaten path look at the gardens in and around Tokyo. The walks focus on 15 culturally significant plants and are organized by season. Each walk has a map and specific directions how to get to it including which exit to take from the subway/train - also what season is best to visit. We were shocked at the beauty we experienced in mid winter, plum blossoms were at their peak early February. We spent almost a full leisure day on each walk as she also includes interesting shops and restaurants along the way. I must say most impressive was probably Jogashima Park, a short train ride to the coast. We walked along the craggly coast from one light house to another lighthouse in the park. Arriving at the park there must have been thousands and thousands of double narcissi in the midst of sculptured pines along the designated walk. The walk took us into a small fishing village where we had lunch and had to call our son to order for us. We visited Kodomo no Kuni Park to see the camelias and although they were not vividly blooming we happened upon the most wonderful grove of plum blossoms and the ice cream she spoke of was incredible. I would recommend also Gotoh Museum Garden probably any time of year. Although nothing was actually blooming when we went the garden was amazing and the walk through the neighborhood most enjoyable. The Palace Garden was another favorite. I would also recommend her other book Tokyo: Exploring the City of the Shogun for more historic tours closer in the city. We did six of her walks over a ten day period, repeating one walk a second time to include our son who was working during the week. The directions are clear and easy to follow. Don't leave home without it. You will not be disappointed.