I am keeping exploring the West side of Tokyo, especially the wide Setagaya-ku. Last Saturday, the sun was shining bright, so I decided to visit Todoroki, on the Oimachi line. There is a charming little trail in an unexpected fresh wooden valley along...

In old Japan, the shy and perfumed plum tree flowers (梅, ume) were venerated even more than the gorgeous sakura. With their round blossoms and their sweet smell, they meant the end of the winter, the very first step towards spring. Nowadays, the tradition...