Who knew there was such a thing … ? Each plant has it’s own straw cover for protection; but they require a careful schedule of pruning and nipping of buds so they are grown only buy experienced and dedicated gardeners.

We went to see the Winter Peony Garden in Ueno, next to the Toshogu Shrine. As well as the plants there were so many pots of fresh peonies around … and a peony inspired ladies toilet sign!

Ueno Park

A few photos from Ueno Park in mid January

Round and About

It is amazing who you meet on the streets … none of them looking happy though!

Cranes

So much building & so many cranes.

Geoff’s Birthday

What to do? For anyone who knows Geoff, the answer is obvious … go high! So we went to Shibuya Sky, the 360* open air observation deck on the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper. It is only 230 metres high but it gave some great city views.

Success Steps

In the Edo period a famous Samurai went up and down these steps on a horse! Because he succeeded in his life, people climb the steps these days to wish for their own success. We came across this Atago-Jinja shrine whilst meandering around Tokyo one day .. the photo of the steps going downwards shows how steep the steps are. Brave horse!

More fun barriers

I must gather them all on one page. Both these were in Tokyo

A few random photos

And finally …

the first blossom (Feb 1st) of the year … I think it might be kawazu sakura, an early blooming cherry blossom.