Just a couple of weeks now until we head off on our "Momiji" Tour of Japan.
Over the years we have found that we prefer travelling in the Autumn of the Northern Hemisphere, mostly because the weather is milder and stabler than in the Spring.
This year we are heading to Japan and, the added bonus is, that Autumn in Japan is known to be quite spectacular. The "Sakura" or "Cherry Blossom" season is the most well known, but the "Momiji" or "Autumn leaves" season is also really popular, particularly with the Japanese people themselves.
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| Her "pride & joy" from the back deck |
On previous trips we have found that, having a theme for travel, focuses the planning and can take you to places well off the "Tourist Trail". So it is really Wendy's garden that has been the impetus for this trip, although I did study Japan in Modern History for the HSC and we both have an interest in the connections through the Australian and Japanese war experiences, particularly in PNG.
But it is her garden that inspired us to go. Our back yard is a Japanese designed garden with some magnificent bonsai's inherited from her mother, Val who was a founding member of the Nepean Bonsai Society and widely regarded as an expert in the field.
And yet, for whatever reason, we have never been to Japan.
We have visited Japanese gardens in Cowra, Canberra, Oberon, Gosford, Auburn, and even the Japanese part of the Butchardt Gardens in Victoria, Canada....but we've never actually visited Japan......the cultural heart of Japanese garden design and the art and craft of bonsai.
So this is it....our "self guided", bespoke garden tour of Japan (in the season of falling leaves and colour) ......and it is nearly here.
Everything is in place ..... accommodation .....bullet train and local train tickets......local guides and a list of places and experiences to see and do.
We know that we will be well out of our "comfort zone" but we are really looking forward to exploring the "Land of the Rising Sun" with the themes of gardens and culture guiding our travels.
The anticipation builds!
