Visit Japan . . .

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. . . without leaving London

Nestled in Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden is a an oasis away from the city’s bustle.  It was opened in 1991 by His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and the Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, as a gift from Kyoto celebrating the friendship between Japan and the United Kingdom.

Designed by respected Japanese landscape architect Shoji Nakahara — known for his deep understanding of traditional Japanese garden aesthetics and principles and the Kyoto Garden Association.  Every stone, plant, and water feature is carefully placed to create harmony, balance, and a sense of nature in miniature.

Though relatively small, the space feels expansive — with every view resembling a living painting — a hallmark of Japanese garden design.

Today, the Kyoto Garden remains one of the finest examples of authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan — an elegant blend of tradition, artistry, and nature.

Tip : Plan your visit now until mid-April to see the cherry blossoms 
— Japan’s national flower — in bloom.

Whether you visit for spring cherry blossoms, autumn color, or simply a quiet moment, the Kyoto Garden provides a welcome retreat and invitation to slow down.

Mother’s Day : Treats for Every Sense

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Under £50

Mother’s Day Sunday, March 15th is the perfect time to treat Mum and the mother figures in your life to something memorable. Here are options to delight every sense:

SEE
Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition — For a visual treat, book tickets to the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition. The 19th annual exhibit April 17—May 4 will feature a selection of images from over 430,000 entries from 200+ countries submitted.
Standard tickets £18
BONUS : Use promo code MOTHERS26 for 2 for £30
www.www.worldphoto.org ✆ +44 2073 060055
 SMELL
The Perfume Studio — For a truly unique gift, purchase a voucher for a bespoke fragrance experience at The Perfume Studio. After an introduction to perfume blends created by their Master Perfumer, you’ll sample, test and combine them to design your own signature scent to take home. The fragrance formulas are officially registered to make it possible to order in the future — a thoughtful and personal keepsake.
Starting from £49
www.theperfumestudio.com

TASTE
EL&N Floral Afternoon Tea — Treat Mum to afternoon tea at EL&N's Lowndes location.  The floral afternoon tea ncludes savoury bites, delicate cakes, and scones complete with unlimited EL&N tea or barista-made house coffee.
Afternoon Tea for 2 for £44.99
Tip : Request one of the Insta-worthy booths downstairs
www.elnlondon.co.uk✆ +44 2073 060055
TOUCH
LEGO Store — For something playful, visit a LEGO store this weekend where kids can build a pink LEGO rose to take home as a handmade Mother’s Day gift. Workshops run Saturday 14 March (10am–12pm) and Sunday 15 March (12–2pm).
£13
Note : First come, first served basis, while stocks last.
 Screenshot by Author
TodayTix — Gift an unforgettable afternoon or evening with tickets to hit musicals like Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Six, and Wicked . Use the TodayTix app to locate and book discounted tickets.
As low as £17
www.todaytix.com

However you celebrate, the best gift is simply spending time together!