Earlier this year as winter began to turn to spring, Colbo’s own Rowan Spencer and his wife Emma Macdonald - known together for their Mon Petit Canard pop-up restaurant - headed to Japan on a belated honeymoon with select Colbo SS25 pieces in their suitcases.

Moving from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka, and stopping in onsen towns Kaga and Hakone on their way, they took particular note of the country’s incredible respect for nature: and learned that while Japan technically follows the Gregorian calendar, historically it observes seventy-two micro-seasons on top of our four.

Beginning their trip in the season defined by fish emerging from the ice, and heading home during the early period of spring called “hatsumono” or “first things,” they travelled the country guided by nature, and came home with recommendations for their favorite green (and white and pink) spaces, and how to best dress, eat, drink, read, and listen for each stop.

Saihōji Temple + Moss Garden, Kyoto

“In Kyoto (and perhaps in all of Japan) one of our very favorite stops was the Saihōji temple and its moss garden. A visit begins with copying a Buddhist sutra in the temple beside the garden (which somehow is furnished with Alvar Aalto tables and chairs…) and then exploring the vivid green moss garden at your own pace.

In the city, stay at a Maana Home for the same traditional, thoughtful experience: a group of three 100-year-old machiya townhouses, renovated and restored to expose their original earthen walls and wooden beams.”

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

“Until the Fushimi Inari shrine was recommended to us by the travel writer Pico Iyer (who now lives just outside of Kyoto), we wondered if it would be too packed with visitors to be enjoyable.

In the end, Pico’s advice to go and take note of the fox shrines as you climb up the mountain — and to keep going up, to get past the throngs of people! — was worth it. Read his cheekily-titled 'A Beginner’s Guide to Japan' to prepare for the trip (or travel to Japan from the comfort of your own home).”

Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

“An incredible respite in one of the busiest areas of Tokyo. Pick up a Pocari Sweat from the Family Mart or Lawson at the Harajuku/Shibuya entrance before heading in.”

Japan Rail, Osaka to Kaga Onsen

“Japan’s shinkansen (bullet trains) are too fast to sightsee from, but on slower legs it’s amazing to see the landscapes you speed by. Only 33% of Japan's land area is inhabitable, and the rest of the 67% is mountainous—making for stunning views as the seasons change from winter to spring. We recommend listening to Hiroshi Yoshimura or Ryuichi Sakamoto on your way to a relaxing onsen like Beniya Mukayu Ryokan in Kaga.”

For info on future pop-ups, follow Mon Petit Canard on Instagram + at mpc.restaurant