For many, a bucket list experience is to visit Japan during the springtime ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom) season, but there is so much more to see. Each year in late March, World Journeys operates a small hosted group to experience it all – Cherry Blossom Japan.
It all begins in Tokyo, with the contrasting experiences of peaceful strolls through beautiful parks, and crossing the world’s busiest intersection in Shibuya. The relative lack of cars in the centre of one of the largest cities in the world is a sign that most people use the subway to get around.
Dinner on the first night was a mere 42 stories up, with jaw-dropping views across the city, and lunch the following day found us making our own sushi under the guidance of a sushi-master. The cuisine throughout was as diverse as it was delicious!
Leaving Tokyo by bullet train, our local guide expertly escorted us through the throngs at Tokyo station. We were heading west to Yudanaka, home to the famous snow monkeys that bathe in natural hot springs during cooler weather. The half-hour walk through the forest to visit them was most worthwhile.
In Yudanaka the group stayed in a traditional Japanese inn known as a ryokan, and some enjoyed bathing ‘au natural’ in the ryokan’s mineral pool, known as an onsen. The sexes are segregated while bathing and there is quite a ritual of cleansing yourself before entering the pool, but the soothing benefits of the warm mineral water was enjoyed by those brave enough to try.
Apart from sushi, ramen, anime and J-pop, Japan is also known for having some of the best onsens in the world. Going to an onsen is not only the ultimate bathing experience, but it’s also perfect for weary travellers. But unlike your typical spa trip, a Japanese onsen has rules and an etiquette that must be kept in mind. For a beginners guide to onsen etiquette…
read this advice from the Japan National Tourist Organisation
All along the way there were beautiful cherry blossoms on show, but none more breathtakingly beautiful than the explosion of pink embracing the delightful town of Kanazawa. Kyoto is another gem, with its very impressive Buddhist temples, and the Golden Pavilion, originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun. The Sagano Bamboo Forest was enchanting, as the wind whispered through the tall stands of bamboo in an almost mystical way.
History was next revealed at the UNESCO World Heritage listed sites of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri translates as ‘Praying Hands’, as the farmhouses steep thatched roofs, designed to withstand the heavy snowfalls in the region, resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.
It was surprising to see so many ladies wearing traditional costume, and clearly cherry blossom season is a very popular time of year to get married, as everywhere there were wedding parties. The brides wore beautiful kimono’s and were exquisitely made up for their big day.
The amazing aquarium in Osaka was a highlight for many and a walk amongst the wild deer in the 1,300-acre Nara Park with more beautiful cherry blossoms was lovely. But perhaps the most enduring memory of the tour was an hour-long talk by a 91-year-old lady who, as a 12-year-old, was 3km from ground zero when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Her story of that time was deeply moving. The excellent museum covering the event and the poignant ‘A bomb dome’ that survived the explosion made Hiroshima an unexpected highlight for many.
The beauty of Miyajima Island close to Hiroshima and its ‘floating’ Torii gate was matched by the stunning views of Mt Fuji from Lake Ashinoko. And just when we thought we’d seen it all, a stop at the Hakone open air museum with its incredible sculptures and 300-piece Picasso Museum surprised many on our final day as we headed back to Tokyo.
Japan is so much more than just cherry blossoms. The charmingly gracious people, the cutting-edge technology, the varied landscapes, the history, the amazing food and incredible shopping make this country a ‘must see’. And if going, why not do so when the blossoms are at their best!
Inspiration on Japan…
Cherry Blossom Japan – a small group hosted journey of all the highlights, against a backdrop of cherry blossom season
Culinary Japan – explore the unique tastes and sights of Japan, with tastings, cooking classes and visits to artisan producers
Gardens & Traditions of Japan – from karesansui-style dry gardens the gardens of the feudal lords, serene temple gardens filled with moss and modern gardens that blend new ideas with old traditions
