Big Bonsai

In my previous post about Shinjuku Wildlife, I talked about the varieties of animals that can be found among parks throughout Japan. To an equal degree, I can say the same about the diversity of park plants. Mind you, I’m not talking about national parks and forests; I’m talking about city parks sitting one block away from the nearest Starbucks!

Japan loves plants as much as they love cats. Maybe not as much as they love cats though, because come on, cats power the internet. But their passion for plants is evident by the distinction of their “Japanese gardens” — the name itself makes it special. The Japanese also invented bonsai, a celebration (or torture for you cynical folks) of miniaturized trees living within ornate ceramic containers. With the widespread popularity of plants and bonsai culture, it’s easy to see why we see trees like these in parks like those in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku Wildlife

Japan’s parks are beautiful sanctuaries, often found in the center of the urban sprawl. Their entrances are interdimensional portals that transport you from the hustle and bustle of the city to the peace and quiet and of the garden. Each park is its own small ecosystem, where wildlife abounds. You not only see birds chirping in the trees and koi swimming in the ponds. Ducks, egrets, cranes, turtles, cats, and cicadas can also often be found making their homes in these everyday Japanese parks. In some, you may even find monkeys and deer!

While taking a relaxing stroll through Shinjuku park, in the center of cosmopolitan Tokyo, this snake decided to drop in and ssssay hi :3