Cherry Blossoms – Japan

Cherry blossom season is on the horizon, it’s not too late to reserve a Journey to Japan to celebrate spring. The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo is a splendid beginning; move onward after a few leisurely days to Nikko, Kyoto and Naoshima if inclined.

Cherry blossomsCherry blossom trees, known as Sakura, number in the thousands in Japan and the blossom season is highly anticipated by the Japanese people. The blossoming is feted with huge festivals and and family picnics. The petal falling time, which occurs after the blossoms, is as significant, as it is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life. The intense bloom provides pleasure, however it is also a visual reminder of the precarious and precious aspect of life on earth.

This annual spring passage has been celebrated for hundreds of years, not only do the Japanese marvel at the delicate beauty of the fragile petals, they ponder the deeper meaning, the symbolic nature of their cultural beliefs.

when cherry blossoms

scatter…
no regrets

Issa

cherry-blossoms

 

J. K. Place Florence

Petite at 20 rooms, J.K. Place is dazzling. Discreetly tucked into the sought after Piazza Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, close to the finest shopping avenues, adorable authentic trattorias and ristorantes and walking distance to all the major museums and galleries.

J.K. Place Library FlorenceAn enchanting peaceful palazzo offering architecturally designed interiors in glammy, but subtle muted colors. The picture-perfect antidote to the energy of the busy city, slip inside and the quiet rooms envelop you in a cocoon of creature comforts. Three floors of art filled passageways all share the same soothing décor. Fifties glam meets antique painted ceilings, life drawings, a teeny library of stunning art and fashion books stacked to the ceiling in the coziest space which doubles as the check in desk.

J.K. Place SuiteA Louis XV fireplace crackles and sparks, a warm invitation to enjoy an aperitif or a delicious repast in the high style dining room. The hotel feels more like a private home – with lovely efficient staff.

The quintessential plush boutique hotel is hidden behind handcrafted doors; J.K. Place Firenze is a high-service ultra chic property. Each room is decorated differently; the penthouse has the best roof top views of Florence. Large bathrooms, double sinks, massive shower heads and heated towel racks. State of the art technology, intimate club like dining room and a rooftop terrace lounge with a view of the Duomo. Museum quality art is interspersed in all the public rooms in a unique arrangement with the Uffizi, a rotating art gallery in a sense.

Pampered, plush and perfect.