Reflections: Saffron Cultural Immersion Trip to Japan, Part 1
By Evelyn Rosefield
This autumn, as President of Saffron Communities, I had the profound privilege of joining a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Japan— an experience that blended cultural exploration, artistic inspiration, and community connection, all reflecting the mission and vision of Saffron Communities.
After eighteen hours of travel, our group arrived in Tokyo—filled with anticipation for what lay ahead. This transformative journey, curated by Saffron Communities in collaboration with our very own John G. Martin and our gracious hosts Yahoko, Kanna, and Tohko, unfolded like a living canvas. From the very first evening’s omakase welcome dinner to the final meditative moments in Kyoto, each day was a tapestry of art, culture, and human connection.
Cultural Exploration and Connection
Added to the beginning of our Saffron tour, the first days in Tokyo revealed Japan’s elegant duality—where sacred temples coexist with sleek modernity, and centuries-old customs thrive amidst innovation. From the serenity of Sensō-ji and Meiji Shrines to the mesmerizing digital poetry of TeamLab, every encounter revealed Japan’s devotion to beauty, balance, and purpose.
Journeying into the mountain town of Takayama, nestled within the Japanese Alps, we discovered the living soul of craftsmanship. From Edo-period merchant homes, the Kusakabe Folk Museum to an intimate Michelin-star dinner, each offered insight into Japan’s reverence for tradition and artistry. Visits to sake brewers, folk villages, and museums revealed a deep continuity between past and present—echoing Saffron’s own vision of honoring creativity across generations and cultures.
Community, Heritage, and Storytelling
In Gifu, we were welcomed into a community that has safeguarded the artistry of fishing, papermaking, ceramics, and storytelling for centuries. One of the most moving encounters was with a 19th-generation cormorant fisherman who opened his riverside home to share the ancient bond between his family and the birds they’ve cared for across generations.
We also witnessed the vitality of age and tradition through the spirited octogenarian hikers who ascend Gifu Castle daily—symbols of endurance, discipline, and joy in community life. Their vitality spoke directly to Saffron’s belief in lifelong creativity and well-being through connection and art.
In Seto, we visited a 250-year-old ceramic studio that has remained in the same family for nine generations. Our hosts guided us through the intimate lifecycle of clay — from the soil where it’s born to the painted motifs that preserve centuries of memory. Seated beside a master ceramicist, our hands pressed into cool clay, learning not just technique but reverence — the knowledge that every vessel is a collaboration between maker, material, and time itself. Surrounded by clay, pattern, and fire, we experienced the tactile poetry of making—a reminder that heritage, art, and storytelling are not relics of the past but living expressions of resilience and renewal.
Art, Architecture, and Reflection
The art islands of Naoshima and Teshima was nothing short of transcendent. Staying at Benesse House, designed by Japanese Architect Tadao Ando, we experienced the seamless integration of art, architecture, and nature. Immersive installations by Monet, James Turrell, Lee Ufan, and others offered profound meditations on space, light, and perception.
The installation Beyond the Border – Prayer, sculptures of children representing every nation praying for world peace, was particularly moving—a universal expression of empathy and hope. These moments echoed Saffron’s core belief that art holds the power to transform both place and spirit.
Historical Reckoning and Human Compassion
In Hiroshima, the experience deepened into solemn reflection. Walking through the Peace Museum and Memorial Park, hearing the survivors’ stories, and standing before the Atomic Dome were moments of profound reckoning. The experience was both heart-wrenching and hopeful—a call to remember, to heal, and to reaffirm the importance of compassion and cross-cultural understanding at the heart of Saffron’s mission.
Kyoto and the Spirit of Renewal
Our final days in Kyoto offered serenity and renewal. Amidst temple gardens, bamboo forests, and bustling markets, we rediscovered the beauty of balance and impermanence. Welcoming the second Saffron tour group created a sense of continuity—a passing of the creative torch from one community of travelers to the next.
A Journey of Gratitude and Vision
Upon returning home, we were greeted—almost poetically—by a poetry and print fair in our hometown of Graton, California. The symmetry was striking: our journey began and ended with art and community, the pillars of Saffron’s vision.
This journey through Japan was more than travel—it was a living expression of who we are. Through art, heritage, and shared humanity, we witnessed how creativity transcends borders and connects hearts. The experiences, friendships, and inspirations gathered along the way will continue to shape our collective story—fueling our mission to cultivate cultural exchange, artistic expression, and storytelling that bridges communities and celebrates the universal language of art.
If you are interested in future travel curated by Saffron Arts & Culture, please contact John G. Martin at john@saffroncommunities.com.