We Love Japan in the Springtime!
The Lynch Family (Randy,
Bev, Zen, and cousin Sofia) is heading back to Japan for our annual April cherry
blossoms pilgrimage. On this trip we will be joined by our dear
friends, the Xu Family – Jay Xu, the Director of the Asian Art Museum
(SFO), his lovely wife Jennifer, and their wonderfully precocious
daughter, Toni. Within the context of a private custom travel
experience, we plan to further explore Japan's unique Shinto/Buddhist –
centered culture and compelling wabi-sabi aesthetic.
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Bev, 8 year-old Zennia, and Randy Lynch
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Hi everyone, it's Zen!
This might be our family's best trip to Japan ever! Sofia, Toni, and I
will meet real Geishas (one Geiko and two Maiko) at a private Geisha
dinner AND all three of us will be dressed up as Maiko – AWESOME!!! I
will tell you all about our adventure and show pictures when we return. My dad says the trip is our part of the global economic stimulus plan!
Catch you later!!
Zen
P.S. Don't forget about my friends at COSO Orphanage in Cambodia!
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Zen at Tawaraya Ryokan in 2008
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Following are our one week trip extraordinary highlights:
TOKYO
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Peninsula Hotel (our favorite!) and the new boutique Claska in the hip Merguro district
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A visit to the amazing Ghibli anime museum (Japanese animated films!)
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A private origami session (Zen's request!)
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A return to Meiji Shrine so that we may prepare our family prayers on the wooden blocks
- A visit to two of the most unique sushi restaurants in Tokyo!
HAKONE
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A one-day visit to amazing Gora Kadan Ryokan with its rejuvenating hot-springs spa
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JR Green Car ride (N700) to Kyoto - Built by Koito Manufacturing, the
new First Class (Green Car) seats feature leg heaters, LED reading
lights and an improved ergonomic shape. This is a wonderful rail experience!
KYOTO – NARA
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Walking excursions to our favorite cherry blossoms viewing spots,
("Hanami") including Maruyama Park, Heinan Shrine, and Arashiyama
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Visits to our beloved shrines and temples – Fushimi, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Todaiji, Nanzenji (Zen's favorite!)
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Hiiragiya Ryokan – Similar to Tawaraya Ryokan (just down the
alley-way), Hiiragiya is considered among the most note-worthy and
famous ryokans in all of Japan. A stay at Hiiragiya or Tawaraya
represents a complete 24 hour immersion into traditional Japanese
culture. In addition to the meticulous, high-touch service, we look
forward to Hiiragiya's renowned meal service, particularly the evening
kaiseki dinner
A Private Geisha Dinner and Entertainment!
The private Geisha dinner is among the very
special highlights of our trip! This unique night will include a
private dinner with one Geiko and two Maiko (younger apprentice).
Together they will perform traditional dancing and singing, while we
are served a multi-course kaiseki dinner. Prior to dinner Zen, Sofia,
and Toni will be dressed up as Maiko for an extraordinary memory.
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Coming Soon – I Love Japan in the Springtime Full Report
We look forward to providing a full report on our experience including Zen's fun things when we return mid-April, 2009.
Best!
Randy Lynch, CEO, Kipling & Clark and travNET
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