If you are at Piazza Venezia, with an hour to spare, leave your worries behind and step into the calm atmosphere of a Japanese garden. "Come Ciliege in Fiore" is a free exhibition, sponsored by the Rome provincial government and the Japanese Embassy to Italy; it brings together 70 precious Japanese pieces, some from private collections. The items on display vary from wooden lacquer screens and paintings on silk to religious statues, photographs, hair decorations, kimonos, prints of warriors and two beautiful small prints by Hokusai, one of the best known of all Japanese artists.

Cherry blossom is everywhere in evidence.

The Victor Emmanuel Monument, (entrance to the exhibition is on the side nearest to the church of S. Maria in Aracoeli), open every day from 9.30-18.30 until 24 May.