Tokyo's rooftop greenhouse

To find Tokyo's few greenhouses, you usually need to look up – unexpected oases hide on the city's rooftops. Large collections of cacti and succulents are grown here, many so rare that they are worth a small fortune.

Here, rare plants are cultivated, often finding their way to loyal collectors, exclusive shopping malls, and trendy design boutiques across the city.

During our last trip to Tokyo, we were lucky enough to visit Kakusen-en – a family-owned greenhouse now run by the third generation. They specialize in desert plants and have particular expertise in species such as Astrophytum and Ariocarpus.

Also located in Shirokane is Botanize's headquarters in a three-story building with an impressive rooftop greenhouse. Here you'll find a large collection of Pachypodium and can even pick up a pot or two to take home.