The Cherry Blossoms of Japan

While Japan is not the only place in the world to find Cherry Blossom, it is certainly well known for them. There is something very beautiful and sobering about the Cherry Blossom in full bloom and when they are in season Japan is understandably a very popular place. Locals and tourists alike flock to prime locations to experience the Cherry Blossoms in all their splendour.

Japan alone has more that 200 different types of Cherry Blossoms, each one varying every so slightly from the next. The way that the tree blooms and then sheds its flowers only a week later is both heartwarming and heartbreaking and speaks volumes about life itself. Many people watch this spectacle with the thought in mind that lifespan is never as important as what you can create in that time.

When you are in Japan watch out for the sakura forecast that will advise you of when the trees will bloom. Many people try to book into a special hotel or retreat in a perfect position to observe the Cherry Blossoms in all their glory. This usually involves hot springs, massages and is a time to relax and enjoy this singular week of the Cherry Blossom's life. This is an incredibly popular time for holidays though, so all the best places will undoubtedly be booked up early on. This is certainly the type of thing that you need to book in advance.

Some areas are more popular than others for observing Cherry Blossoms. The Shinjuku Gyoen is noted as one of the most popular places, as is Sumida Park. Here they tend to bloom between the end of March and the end of April. Cherry Blossoms are very dependent on the weather and any dramatic turn will have a considerable effect on the time of blooming and the amount of time before the blossoms fall. The blossoms and leaves of the tree are edible, but can become toxic if eaten in large quantities. Often it is either turned into a tea that is drunk at weddings or used to enhance the flavours in sweets and buns.

National Museum Re-Opens

Tokyo is not short on things to do and see, but one of the most popular and inspiring sights has now re-opened. Whether you visit it at the beginning of your trip to start it off in style, or at the end to ensure you finish on a high point, or if you're are a local on regular occasions, it is sure to be an eye-opening experience that will stay with you for a long time.

The Toyokan has been closed for over three years for renovations, so the reopening has been eagerly awaited by tourists and locals alike. The renovations included work on the lighting system, such as non-reflective glass and LED lights. There has also been an alteration of the layout, such as adding additional rooms, for example the Indian Miniature Paintings room. It was also protected against possible earthquakes.

The Museum is now in a larger building so expect to see some changes and the exhibitions are separated by country and region to allow for a more interactive experience. The Asian Gallery is home to the Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Artefacts from West Asia and Egypt, Art of the Western Regions, Burials in China and Asian Textiles, to name a few. There will also be various different events held throughout the year, so it really is the place to be. Check the schedule in advance and book ahead if you can as some of the more popular exhibitions and events will fill up quickly.

Many people assume that museums are not interesting and more exciting things can be seen on the streets of the city, but it would be a shame to miss out on everything on offer in the Toyokan. Understanding a country's history is part of getting to know it and what better way to do this than in the museum. Some people enter a museum to escape bad weather and often find an exciting world that they never knew existed. It is now easily accessible in four different languages; English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese and all areas are accessible through the new elevator, so there really is no excuse not to go.

Japanese Customs

Knowing the customs of a country before you visit it is very important. Some people manage to get away with travelling without any knowledge of where they are going or how to behave. Some of these people do no harm, but sometimes it can cause great offense and if you offend your host it could ruin your trip to Japan. Take the time to research your destination and the customs so that you act accordingly and respectfully. Japan is a country built on traditions and customs and if you embrace these customs then you are more likely to get to see the real Japan, get to know the locals better and have a more enjoyable experience in general.

The first thing to remember is that there is no tipping in Japan. No matter what the situation might be, or the area that you are staying in there is no need to leave a tip. The Japanese believe that everything should be included in the initial price, so anything extra can sometimes be considered to be an insult.

Bowing to someone is a sign of respect, much like a nod of the head has become a salutation in western societies. The depth and speed of the bow depends on the level of authority of the other person. A friend would receive a quick nod, whereas a teacher or person in high management would receive a slow, low bow. It is also important to add ‘san' to the end of the person's name as a mark of respect.

It is worth taking the time to learn how to use chopsticks. This will familiarise you with the locals and it will also possibly save you money, as you will become fuller more quickly, eating small amounts using the chopsticks.

The Japanese are much more particular about footwear in the home than many western people. Shoes must be taken off before entering the home and often you will be given a pair of slippers to wear inside. There will be a separate pair to use in the bathroom.

There are, of course, many other customs and traditions depending on what you are doing and who you are with, and these should be researched to ensure you are comfortable in your environment. But these few aspects cover the basics of Japanese customs.

Interior Design in Tokyo

Interior design may not be the first thing that comes to mind when Tokyo and Japan are mentioned, but it is full of creative designers who pick up on the latest trends and needs. Typically, Japanese interior design today is a beautiful blend of traditional styles and materials, combined with modern needs and designs, with green production in mind.

Exhibitions are regularly shown throughout the city, always changing and using imaginative materials to create new pieces of furniture, kitchenware and other items needed in the home. From crockery inspired by the floral patterns on kimonos, to bookshelves made out of cardboard tubing, there is always something new to be inspired by.

Many interior designers from other parts of the world travel to Tokyo to gain a taste of the latest Japanese ideas, seeking inspiration and learning from the way that tradition and contemporary design is combined to create something new that is not only great to look at, but is also needed by people across the world.

There are also many interior design shops and consultancy companies that could prove to be inspiring for those looking to include a little Japanese style in their homes. This doesn't necessarily mean something old fashioned, and could simply invoke the style that many interior designers are using at the moment. Looking around various shops, magazines and exhibitions is a great way to find ideas that can be implemented alone, without the need of an interior designer. In fact, this is often the way that many designers find their calling in life.

Before visiting the city look out for any exhibitions that are showing and plan your trips in advance. That way nothing important will be missed and, if interior design is the aim of the trip, it will be a successful visit. Many people choose to arrive with an empty suitcase so that they can take many of their findings back with them without having to pay the extra luggage costs. Unless of course, they are local and have the luxury of being surrounded by some of the most intuitive and creative interior designers in the world.