Discover Shinjuku Gyoen’s Chrysanthemum Magic — Plus Tonkatsu + Hojicha = Perfect Day

If you need a gentle reminder that nature is incredibly weird and incredibly talented, go to Shinjuku Gyoen this month.

Right now, the garden is hosting a gorgeous chrysanthemum exhibition through November 15, and I promise—it’s not your grandma’s flower show (it’s also very lovely though).

The highlight?

Some displays feature hundreds of chrysanthemum blossoms…

all blooming from one single plant.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Hundreds.

One plant.

Not Photoshop.

Not witchcraft.

Just an unbelievable amount of gardening skill and patient human hands.

Don’t miss the underside of the display—seeing how all those blossoms come from one trunk is what makes your brain do the “???!!” thing.

I love Shinjuku Gyoen so much that I have an annual pass and go embarrassingly often.

But this chrysanthemum season is special—it’s worth taking your time, strolling slowly, and letting your eyes relax into all that color.

After wandering around marveling at plants that clearly have a better work ethic than I do, I walked over to a nearby tonkatsu spot for lunch.

Because obviously.

And here’s a small cultural tidbit for the road:

At tonkatsu restaurants in Japan, you’ll often be served hojicha (roasted green tea).

It isn’t just for vibes—hojicha has a roasted flavor and light body that helps refresh your mouth after eating something rich and fatty.

It’s like nature’s own reset button.

Crispy cutlet → sip of hojicha → no regrets.

Perfect system.

So if you’re in Tokyo this month, go see the chrysanthemum show at Shinjuku Gyoen.

Then reward your cultural curiosity with a golden pork cutlet and a warm cup of hojicha.

Flowers + fried things = an excellent day.