Japan

Where in the world: Japan

The inspiration: Tea, mostly. I've been learning a lot about nice teas lately, and starting to cultivate a finer tea palate; this is expensive, but also appropriate, since I have a little job at a tea shop. I've started to discover some really lovely Japanese green teas, and the finer points of using a Japanese cast iron tea pot. It has me thinking about the other things I've learned about Japan, particularly Kyoto, and my recurring fascination with geisha. (If you enjoyed the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," I'm going to recommend the book by Arthur Golden, of the same title; if you enjoyed the book, you should check out Liza Dalby's ethnography, "Geisha.") Also, if this hasn't already become apparent, I'm a big fans of mountains and oceans, and places where the two meet. I'd like to enjoy sushi in a restaurant where concerns about freshness or appropriate preparation won't cross my mind. I love the cherry trees on the Mall in Washington DC (which, by the way, were a gift from Japan), and I'd be delighted to see the full blossoming season. As usual, I'd also be thrilled with any recommendations you can give for my dream trip!