Cherry Blossoms of Japan - March 2026 - Hostess Round Up - Kaarie Stephens

Our trip began with a wonderful time in Tokyo with cherry blossoms in full bloom. We felt the serenity of the ancient Hamarikyu Garden established centuries ago. Lots of fun with our new friends, we ate delicious fresh cuisine to our heart’s content. So many classic Japanese experiences on our tour from ikebana class, a dance and etiquette class to our fabulous sushi class. 

We had lots of fun dressing up in kimonos in Kyoto and walking through the bamboo grove where nearby Kinkakuji temple was shimmering in gold in the beautiful sunshine. We drove through Shizuoka where we dropped into a tea farm and had a tea ceremony and drank powdered macha tea. At a Buddhist Temple we practiced Zazen meditation.

A big highlight was Mikimoto Pearl island. After a diving demonstration we had a very fresh seafood lunch cooked by Ama sea women, a couple of whom were 86 years old! Such a wonderful look at their world; a rare and special opportunity indeed. We spent our last night on Miyajima Island, an island considered divine since ancient times. We ferried across, after the bullet train to Hiroshima and walked along the beautiful shore to Itsukushima Shrine. We’d been to the Peace Park museum and atomic dome, so this was just the lift our spirits needed.

Each day offered so much. We stayed at a ryokan, wore yukata, slept on futons and ate traditional kaiseki food. Cherry blossoms were still in bloom and the sun was shining. We celebrated our fabulous adventures and new friendships with our farewell dinner in Osaka. Next will be our ‘Japan for second timers tour’ so we can have even more wonderful experiences in this magical country that is Japan with our new friends.