Cherry-Blossom Viewing in Japan

The cherry blossoms were indeed magnificent in Osaka, Miyama, Hiroshima, Nara and Kyoto as promised on the tour which departed in early April 2015. But it WAS early spring and it DID snow. (The Japanese locals assert that such snows during the first week of April occur once every twenty-five years. Lucky us!) When it was not snowing, it was raining. Our experience suggests that there is a trade-off: pack warm coats, umbrellas and waterproof shoes if you wish to see the greatest imaginable profusion of blossoms--cherry, plum and apple. It was beautiful, but respiratory infections abounded. Be prepared.