A Look back at ‘Hanami’ Japan Flower Tour
Day One, boarding our flight from Osaka to Kochi
Last month we had the pleasure travelling to Japan for our much-anticipated Hanami Japan Flower Tour & Workshop—a floral and cultural journey that brought together designers, flower lovers, and creatives from around the world. Led by the incredible team of Hitomi Gilliam, Kiyomi Kurihara, Yukari Mitsui, & Aki Ishiguro, this 10-day adventure was more than just a tour—it was a deep, immersive experience through Japan’s blooming countryside, historic landmarks, and vibrant artistic culture.
Lucky enough for some early flowering plum
Our journey began in Osaka, where we gathered and traveled together to Kochi, a charming city nestled on the southern coast of Shikoku Island. There, surrounded by early spring blooms and mountain views, our group visited local flower farms and experienced the deep-rooted passion of Japanese growers and their beautiful blooms that took our breath away. Kochi Castle offered a glimpse into the region’s feudal past, while our first full workshop day allowed us to dive into creative floral expression using some of the amazing flowers we had seen just one day prior.
