Hello everyone!

I moved to Japan from Belgium about two weeks ago.

And even though it feels great to be back in Japan after many years, it hasn’t been a complete pleasure cruise so far. Finding a place to live and all kinds of other practical matters keep me very busy. But sometimes you have to stop to smell the roses and take some time for yourself.

So I went to the Hamarikyu Gardens in Chuo-ku, Tokyo last weekend.

Maybe it was because of the cold weather, but there weren’t many people there.That made it even easier to forget that I was in one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world for a moment and lose myself in the calm of nature. Back in Belgium, I lived in a suburbs of a small city, with lots of nature surrounding me. So from time to time, I need my dose of trees and flowers to keep me from losing my mind.

I recommend it to everyone: when the going gets tough and the stress is starting to get to you, just step outside and take a walk.

The cold winter air works wonders and will refresh you in no time.

If you’re lucky enough to live near a park, take advantage of it!

The entrance already sets the mood: come here and relax.

The blossoms are doing their best to bloom despite the cold temperature.