I visited Japan for the first time exactly a year ago to celebrate the birthday of a dear friend who turned 80 on February 27, 2024. The experience opened up a whole new world to me, and I returned both culturally and personally enriched, with newfound Japanese friends, unforgettable experiences, and a deep love for this extraordinary country.
I wrote a series of exclusive blog posts on Thursd.com that I named Japan, My Love: 7 Reasons I Fell in Love With Japan. In this series, I will highlight some of the most striking aspects of my journey. We’ve decided to release them weekly, much like a Netflix series, throughout the spring. If you love Japan or are simply intrigued by its beauty and culture, I invite you to join me on this spring blogging journey.
Chapter 2: Japanese Blossom Trees
One of the most enchanting experiences of my trip was my visit to Mito with Junko to see the plum blossoms in one of the greatest Japanese gardens Kairakuen. I arrived in Japan a bit too early to witness the famed Meguro River cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in mid-March. However, thanks to Junko, I was able to see something equally breathtaking—plum blossoms in full splendor.
Mito's historic Kairakuen Garden is home to 3,000 plum trees and 100 plum varieties. Walking among them, I felt transported to another world. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, and the colors ranged from soft pastels to deep magentas. Junko, deeply knowledgeable about the garden’s history, had even prepared a comprehensive document with translations to ensure I could fully appreciate the experience.
Kairakuen Garden was founded as a pair of educational facilities that complemented each other: Kodokan, a place to study literature and practice martial arts (tension), and Kairakuen, a place to rest during leisure time (relaxation).
A Celebratory Lunch
After our serene walk, we enjoyed a traditional celebratory lunch at a charming restaurant nearby. The flavors were exquisite, and Junko’s company made the meal even more special. We were presented with several courses and a beautiful lunch box, this lunch box for a Japanese meal does much more than hold food; it is a work of art, an appetizing display, and a demonstration of care and caring. It is nurturance in several senses.
The box called the 'obento' (or 'bento', adding an 'o' at the beginning gives it an honorific connotation) frames its contents with culture and tradition but also allows the cook a playground, a place where creativity, as well as nutrition, is offered to the recipient. The word 'bento' is translated into English as lunch box, but that scarcely begins to describe the centrality it has in the imagination and in the production of the experience of eating what is inside.
Later, we visited the old house of the garden’s founder, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture. The house, with its terraces, tatami mats, and decorative panels featuring Chrysanthemums and other beloved Japanese flowers, offered a glimpse into a bygone era. The view from the terraces must have been truly breathtaking before the city grew around it. Sadly, the house was bombed during World War II but was later reconstructed in all its former glory.
A Personalized Gift
Junko, ever the thoughtful friend, surprised me with a touching personalized gift, a handmade aromatic candle shaped like a rose from a wonderful Japanese artisan Chancy Candle from Sapporo, Hokkaido. She co-designed it with a talented artisan, incorporating my love for pearls and romantic aesthetics into its delicate details. Her kindness and attention to detail touched me deeply. (Read more about Japanese people in Chapter 1).
I hope you enjoy following along on this journey as much as I enjoyed experiencing it!
With love and appreciation,
Katya
Read previous: Chapter 1: Japanese People. Read next: Chapter 3: Japanese Flowers (coming March 13).
All images courtesy of Katya Hutter Floral Design.
