Kyoto is awash in a cherry-blossom hue this time of year. Special garden openings and nighttime sakura tree illuminations. Geisha and maiko unveiling the fruits of their training in annual dance performances (Kyo Odori and Miyako Odori). Flushed cheeks of new students. The budding of spring takes many forms. Our April course offerings reflect the freshness of the season: sea bream boiled in a simple thin soup, beautiful “morning dug” bamboo shoots from Oharano simmered in a broth, and more.