Outdoor breakfast in Tokyo

I eschew "American breakfasts" when I travel. Normally this means three genetically engineered and over-hormonal massive eggs with greasy sausage and toast of mostly questionable origin. And across the world, hotels are proud and happy to accommodate the needs of the traveling hordes by cleaning their menus of creative and unique local favorites all to be replaced with what else - the all too consistent American buffet breakfast. Now I like consistency myself - particularly a Starbucks Latte for breakfast when its otherwise too early for me to experiment, but I like consistency only if I can enjoy it.

This morning's was the perfect experience. I went walking/running around the embassies and quiet residential streets in Akasaka. From there I went to the Starbucks in Ark Hills and got the exact drink I expected (albeit with a courteous style sadly uncommon to where I live). And taking it to the Ark Outdoor Courtyard, I sat down to enjoy my breakfast. The courtyard was being setup for a rose festival and a week of lunchtime concerts. For the twenty minutes I was there, I sat amongst workers wheeling out and setting up the rose displays, probably a hundred varieties in brilliant colors. The beauty of the flowers, the smell in the air, the work ethic of the movers, the attentive arrangement of the gardeners, on a warm sunny Tokyo morning - all juxtaposed against a brilliantly consistent coffee - the same as if I were home - made this an experience one I would look to have again and again. Here are a few photos of the flowers, sans café ... Enjoy.