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☆ Taiwan is fast becoming a hub for outdoor adventure and wellness seekers
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Joe Yogerst | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

But rather than one of the more obvious outdoor wellness and adventure hubs, it’s actually Taiwan. “Several factors have contributed to the rapid growth of outdoor sports in Taiwan,” says Kate Chen of the Taiwan Tourism Administration. “There was a huge spike in young adults wanting to go hiking or cycling.”But it’s not just locals discovering the island’s outdoor opportunities. Floating in the South China Sea between Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines, Dongsha Marine National Park offers an entirely different take on outdoor adventure. They also provide a venue for more than 100 nature trails that are part of a national trails network created in 2002.

Persons: CNN —, Topping, ”, Kate Chen of, Michael McCreesh, it’s, Krathon, Chen, Thao, Zhong, Nick Kembel, Taiwan's, “, There’s, Xiao Baiyue Organizations: CNN, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Taiwan, Wellness, Scenic Area, Recreation, Villa, Taiwan Music, Dongsha, Park, MTB, Taiwan Surf Travel, Amis Locations: Chile , New Zealand, California, it’s, Taiwan, Belgium, Massachusetts, Taroko, Te, lakeview, Taipei, Wulai, Neidong, Beitou, Kenting, Fuji, Canadian, South China, Hong Kong, Philippines, “, County, Hualien City

☆ Sabae: The ‘eyeglasses capital’ of Japan
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( Milly Chan | Karla Cripps | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Among them is the small city of Sabae, in Fukui prefecture, about a 3.5-hour train ride from Tokyo. An eyeglasses sculpture in Sabae, Japan. Fukui prefecture has four stations on the extended Shinkansen line – Awara Onsen Station, Fukui Station, Echizen-Takefu Station and Tsuruga Station. (Travelers can hop on a separate train from Fukui Station for the 15-minute ride to Sabae.) GI15702993/iStockphoto/Getty ImagesIn addition to being home to the eyeglasses capital of Japan, Fukui prefecture is filled with well-preserved ancient architecture, historic sites and temples, as well as newer attractions, including Nishiyama Zoo, famed for its red pandas.

Persons: Buddhika Weerasinghe, Sabae, Takeshi Yamae, “, ”, Futa Nagao, Takeshi, Sabae’s, It’s, There’s, sakura, Soto, you’re Organizations: CNN, CNN —, Bloomberg, Getty, Boston Club, Sabae’s Megane, Asahi Shimbun, Fukui, Takefu, Tsuruga, Nishiyama Zoo, Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Soto Zen, Food, Museum Locations: Sabae, Fukui prefecture, Tokyo, Japan, Honshu, Fukui, Japan’s Hokuriku, Toyama, Niigata, Ishikawa, Kyoto, Echizen, Maruoka, Tojinbo, Mikata, Wakasa, Tsuruga

☆ Millennial couple who left the U.S. for an island in Japan where they run a honeybee farm: 'Our lives here are so rewarding'
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Dani Benton | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

We spent the next year and a half traveling through Mexico, before arriving in the fall of 2023 on Ōmishima Island in Japan's Ehime Prefecture. Today, we own a guesthouse, a primary residence that used to be an inn, and have a small, growing honeybee farm. Photo: Dani BentonOur work on the honeybee farm includes hive health inspections, monitoring colony growth, building hive boxes and, of course, harvesting and processing honey. The community has made us feel so at homeWe found Bosco living under another abandoned house next to our property. Photo: Dani BentonI love animals, and thanks to ours, I got involved with One No Wa, the dog rescue on the island.

Persons: Evan, they've, Ōmishima, Bosco, Dani Benton, Hani, Shimanami Kaido, Cherry, Dani Benton …, Ino Ino, Ponkan Locations: New Orleans, Mexico, Ōmishima, Japan's Ehime Prefecture, Hakatajima, Ōmishimafuji

☆ I'm 43 and my honeymoon was the only time I traveled without my parents. Now that I'm divorced, I'm trying solo travel.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Jane Ridley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The one time she didn't join me was the honeymoon I spent with my former husband in 2008. I never went on vacation with girlfriendsBefore and after my marriage, I spent every break with the people who raised me. Around his mid-50s, he decided he didn't like traveling much and generally preferred to stay at home. But Mom went ahead and enjoyed herself, thinking it was funny. Meanwhile, I'm turning 44 in November and have decided to celebrate with a trip to Bali.

Persons: —, Minreet Kaur, I'd, I've, Kaur, We've, Mom, I'm Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Sri Lankan, Kandy, North Wales, Canada, India, Europe, Valencia, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Japan, Bali

With a plum position atop many "Best Places to Travel" lists, Japan is on track to welcome a record-breaking number of travelers in 2024. Summer trips are up too, with inbound bookings doubling since last summer, a representative from the travel website Trip.com told CNBC Travel. In 2019, China welcomed some 49.1 million travelers — as of July this year, around 17.25 million foreigners had arrived, according to Chinese state media. "The USD/JPY exchange rate [moved] from approximately 140 in January 2024 to over 160 by July 2024, making Japan more affordable," said Chakraborty. But a Pew Research Center report shows that, among 35 surveyed countries, more than half have unfavorable views of China.

Persons: Trip.com, Joydeep Chakraborty, Chakraborty, Jasmine Leung Organizations: National Immigration Administration, CNBC Travel, Japan, Japan Federation of Service & Tourism Industries Workers ' Unions, East Asia, Pew Research Center, France — Locations: Japan, China, Kiyomizu, dera, Kyoto, United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Saharan Africa, Asia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, South Korea

☆ 3 big mistakes people traveling to Japan make, according to someone who's visited 11 times
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Maria Noyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewOut of the 34 countries travel blogger Grace Cheng has visited, none has left such a lasting impression than Japan. AdvertisementCheng first visited Japan in 2017, and she's gone 11 times since then. "Tokyo is not Japan," Cheng said. "The best way to experience the streets and just get to know the country itself is just to get lost," Cheng said. "The best restaurants that I've found have come from stumbling upon them just walking the streets," she said.

Persons: —, Grace Cheng, Cheng, she's, Sean Pavone, MIXA, it's, Rasmus Jurkatam, I've Organizations: Service, Business, International Trade Administration, Google Locations: Japan, NYC, Kyoto, Tokyo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Osaka

☆ Chinese millennials and Gen Zers have had enough of work, so they're embracing 'naked resignations'
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | Cheryl Teh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Advertisement'Naked resignation'One popular phrase on Chinese social media is "两点一线," which translates to "two points, one line." And discussion is rife on Chinese social media about 裸辞 — a term that translates, quite literally, to "naked resignation." Examples seen in BI's search of the keyword included "how much to save before naked resignation," "three things to consider before naked resignation," and "20 jobs to try after naked resignation." Advertisement"There are articles on Chinese social media criticizing gap years," she said, "arguing that it is a Western concept that does not adapt well to Chinese society." "There's a popular internet buzzword among Chinese young people, "Gai溜子," which can be roughly translated to "drifter" on the street," Lim added.

Persons: —, Jack Porteous, Tong, Porteous, aren't, Laurence Lim, Sally Maier, Yip, Qilai Shen, Lim, It's, Jack Ma, Qu Jing, Jenny Chan, Gen, Gai 溜 Organizations: Service, Business, Tong Global, Twitter, Publishing, Getty, Cherry, Consulting, Pictures, National Bureau of Statistics, Baidu, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Locations: China, Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Europe

☆ I spent $38,000 to take my toy poodle on a private jet to Japan. I want to plan a trip for my other dogs next.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-30 | by ( Faye Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The second trip came with a significantly higher price tag of $38,000. Gladys TsoiOur first trip to Japan included two other poodle friends, while our second trip in April 2024 was a family affair with my parents and brother. For the second trip, we opted for a private jet both ways. Gladys TsoiOur second trip, which took place in April, lasted 8 days and covered 10 prefectures. Our road trip took us through Fukuoka, Oita, Yufuin, Kumamoto, Beppu, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Sasebo, and Itoshima.

Persons: —, Gladys Tsoi, we'd, splurging, Hershey, Milo, mutt, Mount Fuji, Tsoi, Mount Aso, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Hong Kong International Airport, Hershey, Japan, Mount, Korean Air, Japan Airlines Locations: Hong Kong, Japan, Malibu, Tokyo, Hakuba, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Izu, Seoul, Inumo Shibakoen, Shibuya, Mount Omuro, Kyushu, Fukuoka, Oita, Yufuin, Kumamoto, Beppu, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Sasebo, Nampuro, Milo

☆ Asia-Pacific markets range bound ahead of Bank of Japan rate decision
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) headquarters is seen beyond the cherry blossoms in Tokyo on March 20, 2023. Kazuhiro Nogi | Afp | Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific markets were largely range bound on Friday ahead of the Bank of Japan's rate decision. Economists polled by Reuters expect the BOJ will maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0%-0.1%, but Nikkei reported the central bank is considering reducing its holdings of Japanese government bonds. The BOJ currently aims to purchase about 6 trillion yen ($38.5 billion) in bonds per month, and has informed the market of plans to purchase between 4.8 trillion yen and 7 trillion yen of bonds per month. Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures were at 17,964, lower than the HSI's last close of 18,112.63.

Persons: Kazuhiro Nogi, Kospi Organizations: Bank of Japan, Afp, Getty, Bank of, Reuters, Nikkei Locations: Tokyo, Asia, Pacific, Hong Kong

☆ Donn Delson on documenting the world from 12,000 feet
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London CNN —“This is not daredevil stuff,” says 75-year-old fine art photographer Donn Delson as we sit in a helicopter with no door, almost 2,000 feet above London. Donn DelsonDelson, who is based in Los Angeles, began his career as an aerial photographer almost a decade ago. On a trip flying 3,200 feet over Molokai, Hawaii, Delson was captured inside a rare double circular rainbow. Courtesy Donn DelsonEven if he returns empty-handed, Delson believes there is more to be gained from the experience than simply making new work. “The world from above, it’s just so different from the world we know,” said Delson.

Persons: ”, Donn Delson, Ben, Delson —, It’s, we’re, —, Donn Delson Delson, “ I’ve, ” Delson, BandMerch, Rihanna, Billy Joel, — Delson, Delson, Donn Delson “, “, “ I’m Organizations: London CNN, CNN Locations: London, Los Angeles, Japan, Molokai, Hawaii, New Zealand, ”, Delson, Israel

☆ Inside the NYC kitchen fueling Shake Shack's $4 billion burger empire
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Nicolas Vega | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Shake Shack has nearly 350 locations in the U.S. and another 134 around the world and is valued at more than $4 billion. With dozens of new locations opening later this year, the team in the Innovation Kitchen is constantly developing new offerings. In order for a menu item to reach customers, it needs to be approved by Shake Shack's 13-person tasting panel. How delicious an item is is only one of the factors that the Innovation Kitchen team thinks about when developing new recipes. Shake Shack's latest limited time offering — a barbeque inspired menu — was months in the making.

Persons: John Karangis, Karangis, Shake Organizations: CNBC, Shack, Innovation Kitchen's, Innovation Locations: U.S, Bangkok, Thailand, Japan, Tokyo

CNN —Alice Stewart, a veteran political adviser and CNN political commentator who worked on several GOP presidential campaigns, has died. Law enforcement officials told CNN that Stewart’s body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood in northern Virginia early Saturday morning. She went on to serve as the communications director in then-Arkansas Gov. Most recently, Stewart was the communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 GOP campaign. David S. HollowaySpeaking about her role as a commentator for the network, Stewart told Harvard Political Review in 2020 that she brings “a perspective that I think CNN appreciates.”“My position at CNN is to be a conservative voice yet an independent thinker,” Stewart said.

Persons: Alice Stewart, “ Alice, ” Mark Thompson, “, ” Stewart, Stewart, Mike Huckabee’s, Michele Bachmann, Pennsylvania Sen, Rick Santorum, Texas Sen, Ted Cruz’s, Wolf Blitzer, ”, ” Blitzer, Jessica Dean, ” Suzanne Malveaux, Charles Blow, David S, “ I’m, Trumper, Maria Cardona, she’s, ” Cardona, Alice, Credit Union Cherry, CNN’s Kayla Gallagher Organizations: CNN, Harvard International, Arkansas Gov, Minnesota, Texas, GOP, CNN Grill, Convention, Harvard, Trump, “ CNN, Institute of Politics, Harvard University’s Kennedy School, TCS New York City Marathon, Credit Union, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Locations: Bellevue, Virginia, Atlanta, Georgia, Rock , Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Charlotte , North Carolina

☆ These tiny EVs are making a big impact
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Here are some of the tiny EVs making a splash in Asia and Europe. AdvertisementChief among those is the Seagull, a tiny EV that can go 305 km on a single charge and costs $11,000. SOPA Images/Getty ImagesJapan has long had a soft spot for tiny EVs, known as Kei cars — and the Nissan Sakura is one of the most popular. BITechnically speaking, the Citroen Ami isn't an electric car at all, but an "electric quadricycle." The tiny microcar has been on sale in Europe since 2021, with a UK launch mooted for later this year.

Persons: —, Nissan Sakura, Tesla, Aly Song, Reuters BYD, Elon, HECTOR RETAMAL, Citroen Ami, Citroen Ami isn't, Ami, Merlin Ouboter Organizations: Service, Nissan, Tesla, Ford, Business, Reuters, SAIC, General Motors, Japan, Citroen, BI, Getty Locations: China, Japan, Europe, Asia, Guang, Shanghai, France, London, Swiss

DavidCallanAsia-Pacific markets are mixed on Wednesday, mirroring moves in Wall Street's Tuesday session. Investors in the region will parse through earnings reports including those of Japanese giants Toyota and Mitsubishi, as well as Singapore's UOB. Traders will also brace for key economic data out of China and Japan on Thursday, with China releasing its April trade data and Japan announcing its March pay statistics. Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.33% on its open, while the broad based Topix was down 0.3%. South Korea's Kospi extended gains and rose 0.1% after leading Asian markets on Tuesday.

Persons: HSI Organizations: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Traders, Nikkei Locations: DavidCallan Asia, Pacific, Wall, China, Japan

Plenty of retailers have kicked off Mother's Day sales to make it easier to get a thoughtful present without breaking the bank. No matter what type of mom you have, we've gathered the best Mother's Day deals on flower delivery, jewelry, smart photo frames, and more. 5 best Mother's Day sales 1-800-Flowers: Get up to 40% off Mother's Day arrangements. More Mother's Day salesFrequently asked questionsWhen is Mother's Day? The best Mother's Day sales typically kick off well before the actual holiday since they're intended to help shoppers score discounts on gifts in time for the day of.

Persons: we've, Mason, Farmgirl, they're Organizations: Business, Mother's, Apple, Amazon, Metro Locations: Oslo

☆ Sweet Tea-Brined Roast Chicken for Sunday Supper
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Sam Sifton | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

I made sweet tea and drank it over an enormous amount of ice, on the stoop, marveling at how sometimes sweet tea is the best tea, even if you usually drink tea straight, no sugar, with not even a lemon to counter the tannins. Sweet tea is reckless tea, unhealthy tea, a liquid candy bar, not something to drink every day. But it has its place, and I made enough of it so I could use the leftovers as a brine for Millie Peartree’s luscious roast chicken (above). Combine the tea with a big handful of Cajun seasoning and marinate chicken legs in it all day. Baste with the juices and serve with baked sweet potatoes, oh my.

Persons: Millie Peartree’s, It’s

☆ Tim Cook, Robert De Niro, and Hillary Clinton rubbed shoulders at the White House state dinner for Japan — see the night's best photos
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Talia Lakritz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted a state dinner for the prime minister of Japan. Cherry blossoms appeared in the White House decor and menu as well as in guests' outfits. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. The event, featuring cherry blossom-themed decor and high-profile guests, was more than just an excuse to dress up and decorate the White House. Take a look at some of the highlights from the state dinner.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Cherry, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Robert De Niro, —, Fumio Kishida, Yuko Kishida Organizations: Japan, Service, Japanese, White Locations: Japan

☆ Biden’s State Dinner for Japan Was Heavy on Symbolism (and Yes, Cherry Blossoms)
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Katie Rogers | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

It was all very polite. Ambassadors, billionaires, a smattering of Biden family members and even one former president were all in attendance at the fifth state dinner President Biden and Jill Biden, the first lady, have held since taking office. The gauzy celebration leaned heavily into Japanese fans, cherry blossoms and other tokens of the softer side of the U.S.-Japan relationship. The substance of the state visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was focused on finding ways to counter China, but the style of the dinner was all about highlighting a capital city that owes its springtime resplendence, in large part, to the diplomatic overtures of the Japanese.

Persons: Biden, Jill Biden, Fumio Kishida Organizations: U.S . Locations: U.S, Japan, China

Washington CNN —President Joe Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for a state visit Wednesday, including a crucial Oval Office meeting, reinforcing his commitment to bolstering vital partnerships in the Indo-Pacific amid a militarily and economically resurgent China. Over 70 items covering a wide array of critical sectors are expected to be announced as part of the bilateral meeting between Biden and Kishida, according to senior administration officials. “The idea of switching to a multilateral, lattice-like strategic architecture is to flip the script and isolate China,” this person said. Cherry Blossom diplomacyEven as the leaders plan to announce the lengthy list of defense and diplomatic agreements during the course of their visit, senior administration officials also sought to highlight a more symbolic takeaway. A senior Biden administration official called the original gift of cherry trees from Japan one of the most important diplomatic gifts in US history – second only to the Statue of Liberty, a present from France.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kishida Fumio, Biden, Kishida, Jake Sullivan, ”, Cherry, “, Donald Trump Organizations: Washington CNN, Japanese, Carnegie Mellon University, Keio University, University of Washington, Washington State, Tsukuba University, US Steel, American, White, National Park Service, Biden, of, Japan Locations: China, Japan, Australia, Tokyo, Philippines, North Korea, Kishida, Ukraine, United States, Washington, France

☆ Steak, cherry blossoms and Paul Simon will be featured at the White House state dinner for Japan
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida to the White House on April 9, 2024 in Washington, DC. Dry-aged rib eye steak, cherry blossoms and the music of Paul Simon are on tap for more than 200 guests who are expected to attend a swanky White House state dinner on Wednesday to celebrate the relationship between the United States and Japan. A lavish state dinner is a tool of U.S. diplomacy, a high honor that is doled out sparingly and only to America's closest allies. In the case of Japan, President Joe Biden has chosen to celebrate an ally that he sees as a cornerstone of his policy toward the Indo-Pacific region. Biden and his wife, Jill, are hosting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, during the couple's official visit to the United States this week.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Fumio Kishida, Yuko Kishida, Paul Simon, Biden, Jill, Yuko Organizations: White, U.S Locations: Washington , DC, United States, Japan

☆ At the Japan State Dinner, Jill Biden Makes an Entrance
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Vanessa Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

There were silk and glass butterflies. There was an entree inspired by a California roll and a performance by Paul Simon. On Wednesday evening, as the Bidens hosted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and his wife, Yuko Kishida, at the fifth state dinner of the Biden administration, Dr. Jill Biden, wearing an evening dress from Oscar de la Renta, stood with her husband to greet their guests of honor at the North Portico. Designed by Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, the dress flowed in a watery fade from sapphire blue to light silver and was covered in hand-embroidered floral geometric beading. She was connecting to a longstanding relationship: Oscar de la Renta has dressed almost every first lady since Jackie Kennedy; Dr. Biden first wore the label for her inaugural state dinner in 2022.

Persons: Paul Simon, Fumio Kishida, Yuko Kishida, Biden, Jill Biden, Oscar de la, Fernando Garcia, Laura Kim, Naomi Biden, Hillary, Jackie Kennedy, Dr Locations: California, Japan, Portico, la, American

☆ Bidens roll out the diplomatic – and literal – red carpet for Japan state visit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Betsy Klein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The White House will lean into the full pomp and circumstance of a state visit as the president seeks to emphasize the strong alliance between the two countries. The Bidens welcomed the prime minister and his wife to the White House on Tuesday evening, hosting the couple for a casual dinner at BlackSalt, a local seafood restaurant. The White House will serve wines from the Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley in the Pacific Northwest. The Bidens presented their counterparts with a three-legged black walnut table handmade by a Japanese American owned company in Pennsylvania, the White House said. The Biden White House has previously hosted the leaders of Australia, India, France and South Korea for state visits.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kishida Fumio, Kishida Yuko, Paul Simon, Biden, ” Jill Biden, ”, Bryan Rafanelli, “, Cris Comerford, Susie Morrison, George W, Bush, Lyndon B, Johnson, Carlos Elizondo –, ’ toasts, Elizondo, Billy Joel, CNN’s Arlette Saenz, Kayla Tausche, Sam Fossum Organizations: CNN, Japanese, White, White House social, Wing, State Department, White House, US, National Soccer Team, National Football Team, Biden White Locations: China, Ukraine, Gaza, United States, Japan, BlackSalt, California, Willamette, Columbia, Pacific Northwest, American, Pennsylvania, Australia, India, France, South Korea

☆ Biden’s State Dinner for Japan to Feature Paul Simon and Celebrate Spring
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Zach Montague | More About Zach Montague | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The “bounty of spring” will be the theme of President Biden’s state dinner for Japan on Wednesday evening, an event that will feature decorations of cherry blossoms and peonies and conclude with a performance by Paul Simon. Jill Biden, the first lady, and the White House social secretary, Carlos Elizondo, previewed the menu and the décor ahead of the dinner for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and his wife. It will be the fifth state dinner of Mr. Biden’s term. The guests will enter the East Wing to a wall of oversized fans that spill onto the floor, a piece of art and a metaphor with “the small end representing the beginning of life, and each pleat the many paths our lives can take,” Mr. Elizondo said.

Persons: Biden’s, Paul Simon, Jill Biden, Carlos Elizondo, Fumio Kishida, Mr, Elizondo Organizations: Japan, White Locations: Japan

☆ In Kyoto, Five Hotels to Add to Your Travel Wish List
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( John Wogan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Andre Fu, the interior designer behind hotels like the Upper House in Hong Kong and Villa La Coste in Aix-en-Provence, France, has infused his signature aesthetic (extravagantly refined, with warm woods and luxurious textures) within the confines of a particularly historic area of Kyoto. The 161-room Mitsui, opened in late 2020, sits across from Nijo Castle, an enormous 17th-century compound and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s in stark contrast to the hotel, whose only timeworn element is an imposing entrance gate — a traditional wood structure over 300 years old and a remnant of the days when the Mitsui family lived on the grounds. Once past the gate, you’ll find a glass-and-steel building, designed by the Japanese architect Akira Kuryu, and landscaping that’s meant to echo the original garden pathways of the Mitsui residence, planted with cherry trees and steppingstones that meander above a glassy pond. Rooms from about $1,360 a night.

Persons: Andre Fu, Villa, Mitsui, Akira Kuryu, Tetsuya Asano Organizations: Villa La Coste, Mitsui, UNESCO, Ritz Paris Locations: Hong Kong, Aix, Provence, France, Kyoto, Nijo

☆ I've visited Washington, DC, to see the famous cherry blossoms for years. Here are 6 secrets to skipping crowds and optimizing your trip.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Hayley Hutson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewWashington, DC, is one of the best places in the US to see cherry blossoms in the spring. Every year, more than 1.5 million tourists travel to DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. And, although fun, popular free events like the Blossom Kite Festival and Petalpalooza tend to be swarming with crowds. Walk the Hains Point loop trail — or golf amongst the bloomsEscape the bustling crowds and immerse yourself in cherry-blossom bliss at Hains Point loop trail. AdvertisementWhile you're on Hains Point Island, check out East Potomac Golf Links.

Persons: —, I've, it's, Hayley Hutson, Willard Intercontinental, Yoshino Organizations: Service, National Cherry Blossom, Business, Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, National, Roman Catholic, City Cruises, Washington, East, Golf, Arts Locations: Washington, DC, Dumbarton, Stanton, North America's, Potomac, Anacostia

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