The Japanese Summer was getting hotter and hotter but our custom tour of Japan would continue! After spending a few days in Kanazawa and Shirakawago, we headed to Kyoto, my favorite city in Japan. Part of the reason why I love Kyoto so much is all the wonderful experiences that can be had in the area!
First we visited a Japanese sword smith that I had arranged for some private experiences in previous years. It’s always fun to visit with and watch this master demonstrate his art. Not to mention, we can create some really interesting photos with the sparks from his hard hitting efforts!
Though even better than that, is the experience talking with such a master sword smith about his art. It’s easy to see his passion through his kind and welcoming personality. Guests traveling with me in Japan that are come here always tell me that visiting with the sword smith was one of the highlights.
Having spent time learning about the sword making process, it was time for another great experience in Kyoto, Ikebana experience and course. Ikebana is Japanese flower arrangement and is the form of art creating, yes you guessed it, arrangements of flowers!
We first got a short introduction about different types of flower arrangements and the history of Ikebana and then had a hands lesson to create our own flower arrangement with fresh flowers from Kyoto. The class is in an old style Japanese home, machiya, which really adds to the atmosphere of the ikebana experience and makes for great photos as well!
