Japan - Cherry Blossom Time

Being in Japan in April with my family AND the experience of seeing the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom has to be one of the top high-lights of my life.

The weather was cool… a nice change from hot Thailand. A pale grey sky and the mist in the air just added to the magic as the umbrellas seemed to compliment the brilliant multi-colored parade of Japanese kimonos.

Lit by brilliant sunlight in the daytime and almost surreal at night, the spectacle of the blossoming trees proudly displaying their cherry pink and frosty white flowery blooms created the most stunning backdrop for photos. Everywhere we visited looked like it could be a Japanese  water-color painting or a replica of a famous work of art.

 My Daughter Carrie did a magnificent job of planning the trip... all I had to do was fly from Bangkok. We met at the Osaka airport. Then took a taxi to Kyoto where we stayed in a traditional Japanese house.

 One day we ventured out to see the famous Bamboo Forest. Taking a "Romantic Train" ride we arrived at our destination, Arashiyama, in pouring rain and took a rickshaw taxi. As the downpour continued the boys and I oped for some hot green tea instead of walking the slippery steps to the next Temple.

At the Hollywood-like film studios in Kyoto the boys completed their "Ninja" training and happily wore their outfits to dinner.
We visited many stunning historical sights and gardens including Kinkaku, the Golden Pavillion, a Zen Buddhist Temple and we enjoyed a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Sekka-tei Tea House.

Our final night we feasted and were entertained by Maiko and Geisha Girls