What makes you, you? 🎌

・J A P A N・

BACK IN BLOOM

As the UK saw the first signs of spring and picnics became possible again, Fukushima prefecture celebrated the start of the torch relay with the miraculous same-day arrival of its cherry blossoms.

10 years on from Tohoku's 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, March was also a month for reflection, appreciation and, most importantly, real hope - for better times ahead, not just in Tohoku, but the world over.

Let’s take a look at what else is going on in Japan right now, get planning your Japan visit for later, and delve into our Tohoku-themed Postcards from Japan on March's theme - KINTSUGI, or 'taking broken pieces and turning them into something beautiful'.

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Escape the crowds next spring

Japan is in bloom! Check out our list of the hottest cherry blossoms in north Japan

Oscar-worthy sights
Top notch locations from an all-time Japanese cinematic classic

It's a me, Mario!

The grand opening of Super Nintendo World Osaka, and what to plan for your future visit

: L A T E R

Tradition meets the future

Find out how historic Tsuchiyu onsen is changing up

Japan's hot spring game

Brewing up a storm

Uncover the pioneering secrets behind the sake voted best in Japan, 7 years in a row

Land of the sacred deer
Insider intel on exploring the islands of Tohoku's hidden and hallowed Oshika peninsula

Looking for more inspiration? Check out:

- Virtual Cherry Blossoms with Wendy Wu Tours

- Tailor-made Japan Holidays with Alfred& by Kuoni

- Explore unforgettable experiences with Into Japan

- Island Hopping in Okinawa: Where to Go and How to Do It

- Art, Architecture and Luxury Cruising Through the Setouchi Islands

P O S T C A R D S

from

J A P A N

The art of putting yourself back together

Self-love is a powerful tool. Every bruise, every graze, every mark tells a story and is a testament to the unique and colourful life you have lived.

In Japanese, 'broken' often means 'beautiful', and a long tradition of reassembling shattered items with shimmering golden resin/glue has birthed the philosophy of KINTSUGI 金継.

You elevate and celebrate the fractures, whether it's a porcelain mug or a human being.

Marking a 10 year journey of recovery, this month we focused on the Tohoku region, a vibrant example of everything KINTSUGI. We asked our guests for their favourite examples of this philosophy and their answers warmed our hearts.

Here are a couple of things we discovered together:

1) Visit Kinkasan shrine island 3 years in a row and never have money worries again!

2) Morioka is home to a mad-capped buckwheat noodle eating challenge, open to all

3) Fukushima sake is so delicious, it might just make a sake sommelier of you, too 🍶

Read on below for more

Falling for Tohoku, writing a book on life after a disaster, and the importance of humour
with Caroline Pover

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Coastal road trips, life in Tohoku, top travel tips, and becoming a full-time YouTuber
with Sharla

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Tasting Tohoku, becoming a sake sommelier and supporting affected communities

with Jess Hallams

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That’s it from us for this month!
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