Every year, the coming of Spring in Japan heralds the return of cherry blossoms that for six or eight weeks spread like a scented blanket of white and pink velvet from the Southern tip of Okinawa to the Northern points of Hokkaido. The slow movement of the cherry blossoms opening from South to North is watched vigorously every year by the Japanese populace. Japanese television news broadcasts note that "the flowers are early in Okinawa this year." or "the late rain in Kyoto took its toll on the flowers there this year."   view newsletter

While most folk think cherry blossoms when the weather warms a bit in Japan, many of us head to higher ground. Japan, especially Northern Tohoku, has some of the absolute best and extensive spring ski/snowboard areas. Spring snow, also known as corn snow, is really a ball to play in, and its firmness gives easy access to views at the top of some mountains not available during the summer!   view newsletter