Asia: Hotel embraces cherry blossoms
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Cherry blossom season sprang to life earlier than usual this year in Tokyo and is now in full swing, according to Japan’s weather agency.
An official rite of spring, the blooming of cherry trees is a beloved natural spectacle in Japan, involving nationwide parties and celebrations to take in the flowers’ short-lived beauty. The first blossoms were spotted this year on March 16, the earliest date on record.
Among the festivities are special events at the Peninsula Tokyo, which got into the act early by importing cherry blossoms and setting 14 florists to work to create seven huge arrangements. In addition, the hotel is offering special celebratory dishes, drinks and spa treatments.
“In establishing ourselves as a member of the local community,” said Malcolm Thompson, general manager at the Peninsula Tokyo, “it was only natural for us to embrace one of Japan’s most iconic seasons inside the hotel. We really have made cherry blossom season come alive indoors for our guests.”
In addition to floral arrangements, the hotel is offering such springtime specials as a blossom cocktail, a cherry blossom afternoon tea, a picnic lunch to take to blossom-viewing parties and a cherry blossom ceremony at the spa.
Peninsula Tokyo opened in 2008; the hotel group includes properties in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Bangkok, Manila and Paris, which will open later this year.
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