Life Continues...Cherry Blossoms Japan

By Chong Min Sin Apr 27, 2015


Japan is beautiful in spring. Cherry blossoms (sakura) and tulips are in full bloom in the cool sunny pleasant weather.

Sakura in full bloom

In March 2015, a few of us Nestle retirees and friends decided to rekindle our honeymoon years with an escapade to catch the cherry blossoms in Japan.  

Six couples flew into Fukuoka and we were most impressed by the friendliness of the Japanese people and the clean toilets throughout the trip. The crisp spring air was ideal requiring a light jacket early mornings and evenings.
With three rented cars, we drove at a leisurely pace around Kyushu Island to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture of Sashimi, Onsens and staying in Ryokans (tatami style). Despite the language barrier we found it easy travelling from town to town with an efficient GPS system in our cars. We only had to input the telephone numbers of our destinations and wah lah, we got there with ease. No worries about misspelling long Japanese road names.

The scenic drive into the countryside was enhanced by lovely clusters of Sakura flowers all along the highways and byways. It was indeed a breath taking sight with various shades of white, pink and purple on undulating hill slopes and valleys.

tulips not to be outdone

Sakura and tulips lining river in Fukuoka City                       

Colours of Spring in Fukuoka

More than 2^nd honeymoon                         

. The Shinto shrines and beautiful, well kept gardens with geysers, hot springs and Sakura provided a sense of peace and tranquility. Herbal and foot saunas were a novelty and the men among us enjoyed the ‘Onsens’ (hot baths) where one soaked communally stark naked! - an opportunity to exhibit whatever assets still prevalent!

…..Dip in hot spring pool for tired feet

Earthquakes and typhoons are common in Japan. To be blown away in a simulated typhoon and to be shaken by tremors during an earthquake was quite an experience. The hike to the caldera of Mt Eboshidake at Aso to view steam being emitted from an active volcano in the distance was invigorating. The gorge at Takachiho was beautiful and visit to Japan is never complete without visiting castles, temples and monasteries.



This escapade was short and sweet. The travel bug will be taking us to London, Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro in May 2015!