To the Japanese, cherry blossoms reflect the transient nature of life - they arrive erratically they leave quickly. But for visitors, there to witness a one of the world's great natural extravaganzas, there's no need to dwell on symbolism.

Look at our picture. Be awed. And get ready to be awed again!

Cherry Blossom Time draws visitors from all over the world and although other countries have cherry blossoms - The Philippines, Canada, even Germany - nothing comes close to the Japan experience.

Travel Japan by H.I.S has just announced a one-off Sakura (the Japanese word for cherry blossom) tour for 2009. It provides a rare opportunity to sample this keystone of Japanese culture first-hand.

There is just one departure (ex-Tokyo on March 28) and it is limited to just 25 people, limitations designed to facilitate total immersion of their travellers in this and other aspects of Japan's intricate culture over a 14-day itinerary.

Sights include a full day at historic Nikko, visits to Kegion waterfall and Lake Chuzenji, majestic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Takayama and Matsumoto Castle … plus a full-day walking tour of Kanazawa and travel by the famed Bullet Train to Hiroshima and Kyoto.

Cultural activities en route include noodle making at Hirayu Ootaki, a tea ceremony at Kyoto's Todaiji Temple and the opportunity to don a kimono for dinner at a traditional restaurant complete with a Maiko dance and music performance.
Also on the program are cruises on Tokyo's waterways, unforgettable Lake Ashi near Mount Fuji and a farewell dinner aboard a traditional Yakatabune on the last day of the program.
Just don't expect to gorge on cherries. Fruit comes from a different species.

Prices for the 14-day program start from $5999 pp twin share for all accommodation - in four-star hotels - most meals, all sightseeing and English speaking guides. (You'll have to add international airfares).
Talk to Travel Japan by H.I.S. on 9267 3333 or toll free on 1800 802 552.

In the shadow of the Generalissimo

BEFITTING the former residence of Chiang Kai-Shek the historic garden-style Hotel Suzhou now wears five stars.

A former state guest house, and private residence of the venerable Kuomingtang leader, the premier business hotel in China's ‘Venice of the East’ has been formally recognised top drawer by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).
The property is fresh from a multi-million dollar makeover.

“It was our dream to transform this state guest house with such a colourful history and august guest-list into a five-star hotel,” general manager Catherine Chen Tie Ying said.

Garden Hotel Suzhou has some pretty impressive opposition in the scenic hotels stakes in China. You can opt for a deluxe room or graduate through executive class to ambassador or presidential levels.  The revamp, by Guotai International, has been elegant.  It has (or claims to have) the most expansive woodland grounds of any hotel in Suzhou, strewn with rock formations, waterways, lily ponds and ancient trees, some of them 500 years old.

There are signature restaurants overlooking the gardens and outlets specializing in authentic Suzhou and Cantonese cuisine, fresh fish and local and seasonal specialties from the Yangtze River.  The hotel's traditional Chinese gardens and historic remnants include the Shanqing Buddha Hall, built by Qing Dynasty Emperor Tongzhi in 1869 and restored during the makeover.

Guangzhou is rapidly emerging as a main stopover destination for travel throughout China, Asia and beyond to Europe, the Middle East and USA.

Once known as Canton, it has evolved from a thriving commercial metropolis into a short break paradise, offering some of the best shopping in Asia.

China Southern Airlines regional manager for Australia, James Liu, said passenger growth to the destination is strong.
China Southern has four flights a week Sydney-Guangzhou.
When you're done shopping, this is THE centre of Cantonese cooking. Enough said on that count.
There is also the rare natural beauty along the Pearl River best viewed from ``must-do'' cruises.
Talk to China Southern on 9233 9788 or see a travel agent.

Float and Fly

CLOSER to home, across in Fiji, Blue Lagoon Cruises and popular Sonaisali Island Resort have come up with a new ‘escape combo’.

The deal is for a four-night resort stay with a four or seven-day Gold Club Yasawa Islands cruise.

Priced from $1899 pp twin share for the four-day cruise option includes all meals, all onboard accommodation, cruise and cultural activities and shore excursions.  Passengers booking a four or seven-day Gold Club standard cruise also qualify for a free cabin upgrade and welcoming bottle of bubbly.

Topping up the value of the package, Sonaisali includes full daily breakfast, welcome drink, a ‘jungle’ cruise and entry to the general manager's weekly cocktail party.

The Sonaisali stay can be taken pre or post-cruise basis or split to give you resort time before and after the cruise.
The offer is valid for travel from now until March 31, 2009.
For more information visit www.bluelagooncruises.com  but remember, your international air fare is extra.

Gold for Switzerland!

IF Switzerland is on your itinerary for your next trip to Europe, think about the last Rail Plus six-day golden pass, which will ensure you do not miss out on the best alpine scenery - from central Switzerland's Lucerne to Interlaken and Montreux.

From Interlaken, the independent tour visits Jungfraujoch, the eternal ice and snow top of Europe at 3454 metres.

The pass costs from $780 pp adult twin share based on Second Class train tickets and three-star hotels. Child (6-15 years) rates are from $361, based on sharing a room with two paying adults.
Package price for First Class tickets and four-star hotels are from $984 an adult and $466 a child.  Single accommodation and additional hotel nights are also available.Prices include rail transport and hotels in Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux.

For more information, call 1300 555 003 or visit www.railplus.com.au

The Jungfraujoch round-trip by cogwheel railway first reaches Scheidegg, at the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall, climbs to the station at Eigergletscher, known for its mountain restaurant and polar dog kennels, and continues through the Eiger tunnel to the stations at Eigerwand and Eismeer.

From the Jungfraujoch, in the heart of a glorious glacier world on the very roof of Europe, views extend to the summits of the Vosges Mountains in France and the Black Forest in Germany.

The Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest ice-stream in the Alps, begins on the Jungfraujoch.