Cherry Blossoms Of Japan - March 2025- Hostess Roundup - Kaarie Stephens

We began our journey in Tokyo, where we were greeted with beautiful weather. Plum blossoms were already out in beautiful colours. In Asakusa, the old part of Tokyo, we visited the ancient Sensoji Temple and Hamarikyu Garden with tidal saltwater lakes filled from Tokyo Bay. Our sushi class and etiquette lesson on all things Japanese were fun and educational. We learned a dance with fans to the famous old song 'Sakura' as we immersed ourselves in the world of old Japan. Before leaving Tokyo, we enjoyed an ikebana flower arranging lesson, excited to be working with cherry blossoms. We then stayed at the base of Mt Fuji where we enjoyed the onsen hot spring baths, wearing cotton kimono yukata, and dining on banquets of local fresh food. It was lots of fun being in Japan for the first time together. Another highlight was the snow in the mountain forests as we headed to see the local snow monkeys.

After a long drive through the snow-covered Japan Alps, we arrived in Takayama. We visited the morning market along the river and explored the many handicraft shops in the preserved housing district. So many beautiful, unique products to buy! Leaving Takayama, we travelled across the Japan Alps to Kanazawa by the sea. On the way we practiced the art of washi paper making in Gokayama and were excited to see more cherry blossoms in bloom as we reached warmer climes. Kenrokuen Garden, the third-best garden in Japan, was truly spectacular.

Our time in Kyoto began with dressing up in kimonos and walking through bamboo groves. We were well received by locals and tourists alike. Dinner with a Geisha was another highlight, with the rare opportunity to have frank discussions on how life as a geisha truly is these days. We loved visiting Kyoto's ancient and magnificent temples and shrines, with Sakura in full bloom. Traveling by shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima was fun. Fast and efficient, we had to move quickly as we boarded. In Hiroshima, we had the sobering experience of visiting the Atomic bomb museum and Peace Park. Never again they say! My favourite place of all, Miyajima Island was next and as wondrous as ever. The Island of the Gods as it is known, was sunny and warm with Sakura blooming at every turn. What a trip! What an itinerary! Sharing all of this with such an adventurous group of women made it even more special.