Tour Report on 13-January, 2018, the East Garden of the Imperial Palace

We thank many guests joining this tour on that day. We welcomed 20 guests from USA, Philippines, Hong Kong, Canada, Spain, Hungary, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand.

The sky was blue, but it was very cold day.

We could enjoy Japanese apricot (Ume) blossom.
Ume blooms earlier than any trees in the winter and has a variety of flowers of white, red or pink, single or double-flowered. It has been considered as symbol of “energy of life” and “good omen”.
In addition, the fruit will be used for Ume-boshi(pickled plums) and Ume-shu(plums liquor).Both of them are very popular as healthy food or drink, because it contains a lot of organic acid including citric acid.

Most of Japanese wear western clothes everyday, and it is not easy even for Japanese to put a Kimono on by oneself.
However, Japanese still wear Kimono on special occasions and seasonal events, such as wedding, funeral of family member, as well as Coming of Age Day, Shichi-go-san (a festival day for children of three, five and seven years of age), and New Year’s Day.

Formal Kimono made of pure silk is very expensive, but can be worn from generation to generation. It is often the case for young lady to wear Kimono that her mother wore when she was young.

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By Maki