From sakura pink to new green

Just a week in Sydney to relax and play soccer The sakura season has come and gone in Japan, and I have returned to Sydney for just ten days to recover and play two Saturday soccer matches - one win, one loss, no injury. Sydney Rangers will have to cope without me as I head back for Japan's new green tomorrow! Private tours I kicked off 2017 with a private tour taking in western Japan's kiln sites. It was a group of four Americans, who all had an interest in ceramics. Particular highlights were Hagi, where we enjoyed guided kiln visits, and also Inujima, which is a small island and part of the Naoshima Benesse Art Site on the inland sea (pictured below). I can tailor any private tour for you but please let us know in advance as times are limited.  Sakura tour reports The sakura season for 2017 was excellent as the weather was good and the flowers were in full bloom at most of the places we visited. Here is my troupe of Classic Sakura travellers in Ueno Park in Tokyo (top right). My North Sakura tour this year was extended to include Hakodate at the southern tip of Hokkaido. Here we could enjoy Tarabagani (Red King Crab), which is a local speciality. Next year, I am thinking of pushing further north into Hokkaido. What do you think? Availability in 2017 A couple of my tours in late 2017 still have availability, including my Earth & Fire ceramics and art tour (Oct 3-14), and my Autumn Colours aesthetic tour (Nov 17-30) pictured below. There are just a few spots left in each, so please get in touch with me if you're interested.