Let me whisk you away on a springtime journey to Central Japan, where famous gardens explode with delicate cherry blossoms. Stroll with me through centuries-old rural towns, rich with history and tradition. Join me in this adventure, where the past and present intertwine, to witness the style and pride of Japanese culture and craftsmanship. 

This is not a traveler’s story of their cherry-blossom quest ending tragically, with accounts of sidewalks strewn with fallen petals or riversides lined with barely budding trees. This journey joyfully wanders through the renowned Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa, overflowing with a breathtaking display of snowy white blossoms. Traveling from Kanazawa to the Ainokura Village in Gokayama, living in the Inn of Yomoshiro provides a glimpse into the farmer’s rural lifestyle where thatched-roofed farmhouses have been passed down through generations for over 250 years. Traditional meals of local fish and vegetables grace the open living spaces. The ice-cold remnants of winter replace dreamy memories of the snow-like sakura (cherry blossoms). In the historic town of Takayama, local craftsmanship, regional sake and Hida beef are merely a prelude to the annual Spring Festival. Decorative floats dating back to the 17th century are paraded through the streets by local residents dressed in traditional Edo Period attire. Each city district proudly presents its 20-foot-tall float featuring ornate carvings and tapestries lovingly preserved through the ages.

Nancy Lehrer 2025