A Japanese tour without jet lag
Through one of those wonderful cosmic coincidences, there's Japanese culture on view all over the city this weekend. Finish up with dinner at the East Village gem of a sushi restaurant, Jewel Bako (239 E. Fifth St., 212-979-1012), and you've traveled to Japan without ever leaving New York.
1. ART OF THE SAMURAI
WHAT This Met exhibit showcases Japanese arms and armor from 1156 to 1868. Among the highlights: a blade called Okanehira, carried by a 12th century warrior and considered a masterpiece of Japanese sword-making.
WHEN | WHERE Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (through Jan. 10). Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street.
INFO $20, 212-535-7710; metmuseum.org
2. JAPANESE TEXTILE
WHAT "Serizawa: Master of the Japanese Textile" is dedicated to the work of craftsman Serizawa Keisuke (1895-1984), including his signature "stencil-dyed" kimonos, sashes, screens, wall hangings, scrolls, and entrance curtains.
WHEN | WHERE Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St.
INFO $10, 212-832-1155, japansociety.org
3. AUTUMN GARDEN
WHAT It's the last weekend (and the last year) for the New York Botanical Garden's annual event, "Kiku in the Japanese Autumn Garden." The show transforms the conservatory courtyards into a classically landscaped Asian garden with maples, pines, ferns, bonsai and - the star of the show - hundreds of multicolored chrysanthemums, or kiku.
WHEN | WHERE Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road, Bronx
INFO $20, 718-817-8700, nybg.org
