When she’s not hunting for the most Insta-worthy sweets and afternoon tea sets in Tokyo, Tabea likes to travel across Japan with her camera in tow. Follow her adventures on Instagram @pyupyu90.

Tabea Greuner

Tabea Greuner

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Articles (119)

36 unique Tokyo vending machines to check out

36 unique Tokyo vending machines to check out

Boasting an estimated one vending machine per 23 people, Japan is in a league of its own when it comes to automatic dispensers. That makes Tokyo the undisputed vending machine capital of the world. While drinks are the most common item you can purchase at the press of a button, Tokyo's vending machines have gone above and beyond to offer everything from cut fresh fruit and cooking condiments to anime and manga merch.Time to get that loose change ready – here are some of the most outlandish vending machines Tokyo has to offer.RECOMMENDED: Looking to explore more of the city? Here's 88 things to do in Tokyo
12 best public swimming pools in Tokyo – from ¥200 per entry

12 best public swimming pools in Tokyo – from ¥200 per entry

Summer is here, which means Tokyo's many great (and cheap) public pools are now open. Admission is usually around ¥600 or less, the atmosphere is laidback and everyone's welcome, from old-timers to families with small children. While some public pools can only be used by the residents of that particular ward or city, our picks are all open to the general public, so there's no stopping you from swimming into shape this summer. Unfortunately, tattoos are prohibited at all pools – however, here are some hacks to help you cover up your tattoos. RECOMMENDED: outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo 
13 best places to see hydrangeas in and around Tokyo

13 best places to see hydrangeas in and around Tokyo

Hydrangeas, also known as ajisai in Japanese, are commonly associated with the onset of the rainy season – just like cherry blossoms are with spring. Their vivid blue, purple, pink, or even snow-white colours make them instantly identifiable and enliven those dreary, wet days of the rainy season, which usually hits Tokyo from late May to early July. A popular legend even says that finding a snail on a hydrangea is a sign of good fortune.  Every year, you can spot these charming flowers throughout Tokyo, with bushes blooming in some of the city's best parks such as Ueno Park, temples like Takahata Fudoson and even as far out as Fuchu in the west of the city. So grab your umbrella and head to these spots to see the most beautiful hydrangeas in Tokyo. Due to the recent warm weather, some hydrangeas have already started to bloom, but it'll still be a few weeks before they hit their peak.  RECOMMENDED: Fun facts to know for hydrangea season
9 most scenic rooftop gardens to relax in Tokyo

9 most scenic rooftop gardens to relax in Tokyo

What Tokyo lacks in space, it makes up for with ingenious high-rise solutions. So the next time you're looking to retreat from the crowds, look up – you might just find a secret garden tucked away on the roof of a shopping mall. Relax and unwind on a green patch or under a shade while taking in a bird's eye view of the cityscape. These rooftop gardens are free to enter, making them a worthwhile alternative to the city's observation decks if you're on a budget. RECOMMENDED: Prefer a view with a drink instead? Head to these rooftop bars and restaurants in Tokyo 
世界で最も奇抜な「自販機天国」東京ガイド

世界で最も奇抜な「自販機天国」東京ガイド

タイムアウト東京 > Things to Do>東京、注目すべきユニークな自販機35選 「23人に1台」という驚異的な自動販売機の普及率を誇る日本は、世界でも類を見ない「自動販売機(以下、自販機)大国」だ。中でも東京は、名実ともに世界一の「自販機首都」といえるだろう。 ボタン一つで買えるのは、定番の飲み物だけではない。東京の自販機は進化を遂げ、新鮮なカットフルーツから調味料、さらにアニメや漫画のグッズに至るまで、ありとあらゆるラインアップが揃う。 小銭の準備はできた? 東京で見つけた、とびきりユニークな自販機の世界へ英語編集部が案内しよう。 関連記事『東京でしかできない88のこと』
7 best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo

7 best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo

Tokyo is full of fascinating and mouthwatering diversions, whether it's chowing down on the city's best ramen or hunting for the best denim stores you can find. Sometimes the hustle and bustle can be too much, but you don't have to go far before you're in the great outdoors – the Greater Tokyo region is full of nature parks to escape to. But if you're less about admiring the view and more about adventure, this is the list for you. From family-friendly theme parks to adventure playgrounds and even an urban farm, these outdoor attractions make for a great day trip from the city centre. RECOMMENDED: Best theme parks and amusement parks in central Tokyo
2026年、東京で最も美しい春の花々と鑑賞スポット

2026年、東京で最も美しい春の花々と鑑賞スポット

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 2026年、東京で最も美しい春の花々とおすすめの鑑賞スポット 日本の春の象徴として親しまれる桜は、もはやこの国そのものを象徴する存在でもあり、毎年春シーズンになると世界中の多くの人々を魅了している。例年3月下旬ごろに開花するが、その見頃は通常わずか2週間ほどと短い。 しかし、桜の満開を見逃してしまっても心配はいらない。東京にはほかにも、それぞれの美しさで感動を与えてくれる春の花々がたくさんある。そして何より、東京では3月下旬から5月にかけて、春の間ずっとどこかで季節を彩る花が咲き誇っていること最大の魅力だ。 本記事では、2026年の春を彩る東京近郊の花の名所を厳選。今しか見られない圧倒的な絶景スポットとともに、それぞれの見頃や魅力を紹介する。 関連記事『一生に一度は見たい桜の名所7選』
5 best places to see wisteria in and around Tokyo

5 best places to see wisteria in and around Tokyo

With cherry blossoms now over in Tokyo, the city is looking forward to welcoming its next spring flowers. Colourful wisteria bloom around mid-April to mid-May and can be found in many shrines and parks across the city.  The pastel-hued wisteria vines resemble dripping beads of colour, and they're often grown on trellises. Walking under these hanging violet, blue, pink or white blooms will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, so make sure to bring your camera for some Instagram-worthy shots. Read on for the best spots in and around Tokyo to enjoy wisteria. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful spring flowers in Tokyo – and where to see them all
The most beautiful spring flowers in Tokyo – and where to see them all in 2026

The most beautiful spring flowers in Tokyo – and where to see them all in 2026

The enduring icon of spring in Japan, cherry blossoms are practically synonymous with the country itself, attracting hordes of admirers from across the world every season. While cherry blossoms generally flower in late March, they usually last no longer than a couple of weeks. So if you missed the cherry trees at peak bloom, fret not – there are lots of other spring flowers you can find that are just as beautiful in their own way. And the best part is, there’s always something putting out its petals in Tokyo during spring, from late March right through to May. RECOMMENDED: 88 best things to do in Tokyo
16 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan – with 2026 dates

16 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan – with 2026 dates

Nothing elicits more excitement in Japan than cherry blossom season. These delicate pink flowers bloom for just two weeks annually, so everyone clears their schedule for hanami picnics and long strolls in the parks. A single cherry tree along an otherwise drab, unremarkable road is enough to transform the street and stop pedestrians in their tracks for photos. Still, it’s worth going the extra mile to seek stunning settings that enhance the blossoms’ beauty. We’ve already got a list of the best places in Tokyo for sakura spotting, but there are just as many trees to see in other prefectures, too. Here are the top sites and festivals to check out in Japan, even after Tokyo’s blooms fade. Note: the dates in this feature may change depending on weather conditions. See the latest flowering forecast here. RECOMMENDED: The greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan
Exciting things to do on New Year’s Day 2026 in Tokyo – January 1-5

Exciting things to do on New Year’s Day 2026 in Tokyo – January 1-5

The new year is here! If, like us, you're feeling very done with 2025, then kickstart 2026 with some of the best events happening in Tokyo. If you feel like doing something energetic, head to one of Tokyo's many ice-skating rinks, and then take in the twinkly festive illuminations around town. Whatever you do, don't let the Tokyo winter beat you.
Late-night and overnight train times in Tokyo on New Year's Eve 2025-2026

Late-night and overnight train times in Tokyo on New Year's Eve 2025-2026

Getting home on New Year's Eve in Tokyo could be tricky. The good news is, some train lines in Greater Tokyo usually add extra late-night services to their timetables in order to accommodate the hordes of revellers out in the metropolis. The bad news is, you'll have to be prepared to wait longer and to squeeze into over-crowded carriages. Now that you know, it's time to plan your 2025-26 New Year's Eve. Whether you're looking to visit shrines for the traditional new year prayers or take part in a spiritual bell-ringing ritual at a temple, here's how to get home safely.

News (412)

Enoshima island is hosting a free projection mapping event this summer

Enoshima island is hosting a free projection mapping event this summer

Enoshima is one of the most popular island getaways for Tokyoites. It’s easily accessible for a day trip, plus the island offers a good mix of seafood, temples, fresh greenery and sea views. From early August through late September 2026, you might want to stay on a little longer after sunset, as Enoshima is hosting a free projection mapping event inspired by the little island’s folk tale Enoshima Engi. Photo: SuppliedEnoshima Lanterns in 2023 Called Enoshima Lanterns, this annual digital light show starts at the island’s Zuishinmon Gate, where it depicts a scene from Enoshima Engi, illustrating a mythical love story between an evil five-headed dragon and a beautiful goddess. Make sure to watch the entire scene until the end to see a summer sunset over the sea unfold in gold and blue. Photo: Velveta Design Office Tokyo Co., Ltd.Stone steps The staircase leading up to Enoshima Shrine, which is dedicated to the aforementioned goddess, is lit up with blue, purple and yellow lights. Photo: Velveta Design Office Co., Ltd.Hetsumiya shrine within Enoshima Shrine At the shrine grounds, the projection mapping show evokes an image of a summer twilight, where the celestial maiden enjoys the evening coolness with seashell wind chimes and reed screen shades. Furthermore, the shrine grounds, as well as the upper area surrounding the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse, are decked out with traditional lanterns depicting scenes from Enoshima Engi. New for this
Hakone is hosting a week-long fireworks festival this summer

Hakone is hosting a week-long fireworks festival this summer

The awe-inspiring Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week in the mountain onsen town of Hakone is happening this year from July 31 to August 5. As it’s held in conjunction with Hakone Shrine’s annual Reitaisai festival, you can expect a series of traditional events as well as some jaw-dropping fireworks. This year's fireworks are expected to be as big a celebration as the 2025 edition, so be sure to mark these dates in your calendar.   Photo: Kinnotake Co., Ltd.Kosui Matsuri Fireworks Festival   Kosui Matsuri Fireworks Festival, July 31 About 5,000 shells of fireworks will be launched at 8pm from Moto-Hakone Bay. The festival is held to worship Kuzuryu Myojin, the guardian deity of the lake. 1269 Taisai Hoshuku Fireworks Festival, August 1 This fireworks display is held to commemorate the 1,269th anniversary of Hakone Shrine. Around 2,300 shells of fireworks will be set off from Moto-Hakone Bay at 8pm. Photo: Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc Hakone-en Summer Night Festival, August 2 & 3 The Hakone-en Resort Complex – a 30-minute walk from the Moto-Hakone area – is celebrating summer with fireworks from 8pm daily. About 2,500 shells will be launched from Hakone-en Bay, with star mines and Niagara sparklers synchronised to music. Visitors can submit well-wishes and messages, which will be read out during the fireworks show. You’ll also find food stalls selling street eats. Kojiri Ryujin Festival Fireworks, August 4 About 2,200 shells of fireworks will be launched at 8pm from Ko
The 55-minute fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko is back this year

The 55-minute fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko is back this year

Summer means fireworks in Japan, and there are plenty of spectacular displays to enjoy in and around Tokyo. One of the most impressive fireworks festivals is at Kawaguchiko, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, in Yamanashi prefecture. The Kawaguchiko Kojo Matsuri summer festival takes place on Wednesday August 5 from 7.45pm, with fireworks launched from the middle of the lake between the eastern shore and Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge. Gigantic starmines and musical starmines will not only be reflected on the water’s surface but also synchronised to music. The whole show will be 55 minutes long.  Photo: G photo/Photo-AC For an up-close view, head to Oike Park or either one of these two shores – Funatsuhama and Hirahama near Rinsaku Park. At both venues, dozens of food stalls will line the street, selling typical festival grub. Pro tip: if it’s a clear night, make a beeline for the other side of the lake, around Nagasaki Park or Oishi Park. Here you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the fireworks, with the towering silhouette of Mt Fuji in the background. Photo: Fujikawaguchiko Tourist Information You can reach Kawaguchiko in about one hour and 40 minutes by highway bus from Shinjuku Station. Alternatively, take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station and change to the Fujikyuko Line for Kawaguchiko, which takes around two hours and ten minutes in total. Note that the festival will be cancelled in case of stormy weather. This article was originally publ
この夏、アジサイが楽しめる鎌倉の寺院

この夏、アジサイが楽しめる鎌倉の寺院

間もなく梅雨入りする東京では、7月中旬ごろまでジメジメとした日が続く覚悟が必要だろう。しかし、雨のシーズンこそが鮮やかなアジサイの開花を促してくれる。この初夏の風物詩を満喫できる最高のスポットの一つが、都心からすぐの海辺の街、鎌倉である。 カラフルなアジサイの絶景を楽しむなら、新宿駅から湘南新宿ラインに飛び乗り、乗り換えなしで約1時間の北鎌倉駅へ向かおう。駅からほど近い「浄智寺」「明月院」の2つの名刹(めいさつ)では、青や紫、ピンクなど、鮮やかな色彩の美しいアジサイが境内を埋め尽くす。 今年、鎌倉でアジサイを堪能するなら、6月がベストシーズンだ。梅雨ならではの美しい花々を堪能してほしい。 Photo: Tabea GreunerJochi-ji Temple hydrangeas 浄智寺 浄智寺では、境内へ入らなくても十分にアジサイが満喫できるほど、敷地の外側一帯がすでに完璧な絵画のように美しい。山門と、700年の歴史を誇る鐘を収めた鐘楼(しょうろう)を一つに組み合わせた2階建ての木造建築「鐘楼門」が、青々とした周囲の緑と見事に調和している。 Photo: Tabea Greuner 1280年代前半、北条時頼の三男である北条宗政の菩薩(ぼさつ)を弔うために創建された同禅寺。かつて境内には11もの建築物が格式高く並んでいたが、1923年9月に起きた関東大震災によって全て倒壊してしまった。 現在見られる建物は、いずれも近代に入ってから再建されたものだ。 拝観料:300円、中学生以下100円、未就学児無料 Photo: Tabea Greuner 明月院 「あじさい寺」の異名を持つ明月院は、その名に恥じない見事な景観を誇る。アジサイ好きにとっては聖地ともいえる場所であり、このエリア屈指の美しい庭園が見どころだ。丘に向かって続く風情ある遊歩道を散策すると、「明月院ブルー」と呼ばれる2500株以上の青いアジサイの花々が道沿いを埋め尽くし、最高のフォトスポットを提供する。 Photo: Tabea Greuner 遊歩道沿いには仏像や小さな祠(ほこら)、さらにはアジサイがあしらわれた絵馬が並ぶ。庭園は混雑するため、滞在時間は長くなりがちだが、時間をかけて散策するだけの価値は十分にある。 Photo: Tabea Greuner 1383年に上杉憲方によって開創された明月院。かつては大規模な大寺院の一大塔頭(たっちゅう)であったが、1868年の明治維新の混乱期に本体の寺が廃絶されたことで独立を余儀なくされた歴史を持つ。 「明月(輝く月)」というその名と、月でウサギが餅をつくという日本の昔話にちなみ、境内には愛嬌(あいきょう)たっぷりのウサギの像がいくつも設置されている。ぜひチェックしてほしい。 拝観料:500円、小・中学生300円、未就学児無料 関連記事『東京、6月に行くべきアート展5選』『東京、6月に開催する注目のマーケット5選』『日本で乗るべき観光列車7選』『東京、2026年に初開催される音楽フェスティバル5選』『東京、ひと足先に夏を感じるかき氷5選』東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら 
Thousands of lanterns will be floating on the Chidorigafuchi Moat at this festival

Thousands of lanterns will be floating on the Chidorigafuchi Moat at this festival

Summer is a great time to be in Tokyo, with an array of festivals and fireworks displays taking place across the city. But there are also more traditional events happening, like the Toro Nagashi (floating lantern) nighttime festival at Chidorigafuchi Moat along the fringe of the Imperial Palace grounds. This popular light-up spectacle will take place again in 2026 on July 22 and 23 after sundown. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaScene from a previously held event Over the course of two evenings, you can witness 2,000 beautiful paper lanterns floating on the water. The festival was first held in 1958 to comfort people after World War II. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association You can just turn up and enjoy the sight for free. Or you could contribute to the spectacle by releasing your own lantern to the water. You can use the lantern to write down your hopes, dreams or prayers.  Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaScene from a previously held event One way to immerse yourself in the event is to hop on a rowboat and send your lantern out onto the water while being surrounded by thousands of glowing lanterns. Participation is limited to just 60 groups per day and is determined by a lottery system, with registration open until June 16. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association You can still design a lantern on the day of the event, even without a boat. As lantern supplies are limited, be sure to make a reservation for a lantern in advance online, which costs ¥2,000. You can pick up the lantern on t
3 best temples in Kamakura to see hydrangeas this summer

3 best temples in Kamakura to see hydrangeas this summer

With rainy season just around the corner, be prepared for some wet and gloomy days in Tokyo until around mid-July. But there's also good news: the rainy season will bring on the bloom of colourful hydrangeas (ajisai in Japanese). One of the best places to see these early-summer flowers is the seaside town of Kamakura near Tokyo. To see Kamakura's hydrangeas in their colourful glory, hop on the Shonan-Shinjuku line at Shinjuku Station for a direct, one-hour ride to Kita-Kamakura Station. From there, it’s a short walk to three of the area’s most majestic temples: Tokei-ji, Jochi-ji and Meigetsu-in. All of them feature an abundance of the pretty flowers in various shades of blue, purple and pink. For this year, the best time to see these flowers in Kamakura is in June.  Photo: Tabea Greuner Tokei-ji Temple This tranquil temple is just a four-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. The sacred grounds feature several beautifully landscaped walkways, complete with Japanese elements such as Buddha statues and stone lanterns, all of which provide the perfect background for your ajisai shots. Take in the peaceful surroundings over a cup of green tea at the on-site tea house; it even looks out to the adjoining iris garden. Photo: Tabea Greuner Tokei-ji played a crucial and noble role in the local history. It was founded in 1285 by a nun named Kakusan Shido-ni, and the temple offered asylum to women seeking refuge from their abusive husbands. A woman could not initiate a divorce at
The popular Zushi Beach Film Festival is back for the Golden Week holidays

The popular Zushi Beach Film Festival is back for the Golden Week holidays

With sun, sea, sand and excellent movies, it’s no wonder that the Zushi Beach Film Festival is a popular fixture on the Golden Week calendar. This open-air cinema in Kanagawa prefecture is organised by Cinema Caravan, a collective of artists and creatives who plan community events around the world. Every year it brings this event to Zushi, with movie screenings on the beach plus food stalls, a bazaar and live entertainment. Photo: Zushi Beach Film Festival The 13-day festival is screening a variety of Japanese and international films; a few of them are in English with Japanese subtitles. Every day is a different movie and the show starts at a different time. You'll find the film schedule here. Here’s the line-up of English films: Friday April 24: ‘School of Rock’ (2003) follows a struggling musician who impersonates a substitute teacher at a prep school and turns his students into a rock band for a battle of the bands competition. Sunday April 26: ‘Hook’ (1991), adult Peter Pan, now a workaholic lawyer, must return to Neverland to rescue his children from Captain Hook and rediscover his lost sense of wonder. Tuesday April 28: 'Awakenings' (1990), Robin Williams is Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a researcher in 1969 Bronx who administers an experimental drug that temporarily awakens catatonic patients, with varying results. Tuesday May 5: 'All the Streets Are Silent: New York' (1987–1997) is a documentary by Jeremy Elkin that explores how hip-hop and skateboarding cultures intertwined
See beautiful cherry blossoms in February in Shizuoka, about three hours from Tokyo

See beautiful cherry blossoms in February in Shizuoka, about three hours from Tokyo

Tokyo’s cherry blossoms aren't expected to bloom before late March, but you can get a taste of the pink blooms from early February on the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture. The town of Minami Izu has a sakura and rapeseed blossom festival that runs from February 1 until March 10. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association The pink spectacle takes place along the Aono River in the Shimogamo Onsen area and at the nearby Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana rest stop. About 800 Kawazu cherry blossom trees and plenty of yellow rape blossoms line the 4.2-km-long stretch along the Aono River. Kawazu cherry blossoms were first discovered in 1972 in Kawazu, a little town further north on the Izu Peninsula. Thanks to Izu’s warm climate, these cherry blossoms bloom earlier than any other sakura type around Japan. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association Between February 10 and 28, you can hop of a rickshaw which will take you on a 20-minute cherry blossom viewing course around the area (¥3,000 per person).  Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association Make sure to stay until the evening, when the sakura between Kujobashi Bridge and Maeharabashi Bridge are beautifully lit up. Close to the roadside station Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana and at the Shiroganenoyu Bridge, you’ll also find illuminated sakura trees. The light-up takes place daily from 6pm to 9pm. Additionally, you can also catch a cherry blossom and bamboo light illumination on the evenings of February 20, 21
Usually closed Kyoto temple Reikanji is now open for autumn leaves

Usually closed Kyoto temple Reikanji is now open for autumn leaves

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Kyoto. The air is cool and crisp, and temple gardens come alive with vivid colours, as momiji leaves turn bright crimson. During this season, some temples extend visiting hours into the evening, with their gardens illuminated for a truly magical experience. A few temples that are usually closed to the public even open for a short period, offering visitors a rare glimpse into their private grounds. Photo: Reikanji Temple One such secluded temple in Kyoto is Reikanji. Usually closed to the public, it will open its gates for just ten days this autumn, from Friday November 21 to Sunday November 30, allowing visitors to enjoy its garden’s beautiful autumn foliage. Photo: Reikanji Temple Founded in 1654 by Tari-no-Miya, the daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, Reikanji was a temple where successive imperial princesses served as chief priests. Also known as the Palace of the Valley, it still retains its prestigious reputation and elegant appearance. Photo: Reikanji Temple After admiring the stunning autumn foliage, you can join the guided tour that takes you inside the Shoin (drawing room), which was relocated here from Kyoto’s former Imperial Palace. Photo: Reikanji Temple Inside, you will see beautiful fusuma sliding doors painted by members of the former Kano school, one of the most prestigious institutions of Japanese painting. In focus are the four seasons as well as flower and bird motifs. You can also peek inside the Hondo main hall
Enjoy free entry at these museums, gardens and zoos in Tokyo on October 1

Enjoy free entry at these museums, gardens and zoos in Tokyo on October 1

As we approach autumn and the weather gets cooler, now’s the perfect time to get out and explore Tokyo again. The best day to do so is this Wednesday October 1, as it’s Tokyo Citizens Day. Though not a public holiday – i.e. you don’t get the day off work – this special day was established in 1952 to commemorate Tokyo’s transition into a proper city with its own mayor in 1898. Every year on this day, a host of attractions run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government across the city, including museums, art galleries, zoos and aquariums, will open to the public for free.  Here’s the full list of attractions that offer free admission on October 1. Photo: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Museums and art galleries Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum Tokyo Photographic Art Museum (applicable only for these two exhibitions: TOP 30th Anniversary Thoughts of a Distant Window: Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 22, and TOP 30th Anniversary Pedro Costa Innervisions) Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (only applicable for the MOT Collection exhibition) Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (only applicable for the Pleasure in Making: The Creative Spirit of DIY for Living exhibition) Photo: Crisfotolux/DreamstimeRikugien Gardens  The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum garden Hamarikyu Gardens Kiyosumi Garden Koishikawa Korakuen Kyu Furukawa Gardens Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden Mukojima Hyakkaen Rikugien Tonogayato Garden Photo: Tokyo Zoological Park SocietyFemale giant p
Five million red spider lilies are now blooming at this Saitama park

Five million red spider lilies are now blooming at this Saitama park

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama prefecture’s Hidaka city is one of the best places near Tokyo to see red spider lilies, also known as higanbana or manjushage in Japanese. With about five million of these unique flowers expected to bloom around this time of year, the sprawling Saitama park will be bringing back its annual autumn flower festival from September 19. However, the warmer-than-usual weather this year delayed the growth and the blooming of the flowers, as such the festival has been extended until October 5. That’s perfect timing, as the red spider lilies are just beginning to sprout, with full bloom expected in late September. Photo: Kinchakuda Manjushage Park Aside from fields of beautiful scarlet red spider lilies, you’ll also find booths at the festival selling a variety of local food and drinks, such as roasted chestnuts, as well as souvenirs. Photo: Hidaka city As this is one of Japan's largest concentrations of red spider lilies, the organisers are expecting large crowds, especially on these dates: September 27-28 and October 4-5. As parking is limited, we recommend taking the train instead. It takes about 90 minutes from Ikebukuro Station to Koma Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line; from there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the park.  Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is open from 7am to 5pm. Entry during the flowering period costs ¥500 per person (free for junior high school students and younger children). To all photographers and Instagrammers who’re planning
Catch 13,000 hydrangeas in bloom around Japan’s longest suspension footbridge

Catch 13,000 hydrangeas in bloom around Japan’s longest suspension footbridge

Aside from having the longest suspension footbridge in Japan – about 400m – Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka prefecture is also known for hosting one of the biggest hydrangea festivals near Tokyo, attracting visitors of all ages for the huge number of blue hydrangeas blooming in early summer. Photo: Mishima SkywalkNatsuzora hydrangeas This year, the Hydrangea Festival takes place from June 7 to July 8 and features about 13,000 hydrangeas across 205 varieties, including Natsuzora (Summer Sky), Skywalk and Hao, the venue’s three original hydrangea species. Photo: Mishima Skywalk There will be dedicated photo spots set up along the 2km promenade on the north side of the bridge. They offer lovely scenery with the hydrangeas, Suruga Bay and even Mt Fuji. Photo: Fujiko Co., Ltd. You can also see the hydrangeas lit up after dark on June 20-22, 27-29 and July 4-6 from 5pm to 8.30pm (last entry 8pm).  Photo: Fujiko Co., Ltd. Hydrangea-inspired desserts and drinks are available from Mishima Skywalk's cafés and restaurants during the festival. Sweets include a hydrangea pudding soft serve ice cream, bubble waffle with lemon-flavoured cream cheese, matcha parfait, hydrangea white peach yokan, and colourful blue and pink lattes. Photo: Mishima SkywalkHydrangea Light-up Event Admission is ¥1,100 for adults, ¥500 for junior high and high school students, and ¥200 for primary school students. For more information, visit the website. This article was originally published on June 3 2022