We are starting to prepare for one of our largest group events to celebrate many family milestones in 2025! Follow along for our adventures in planning to celebrate my 50th birthday, my parents’ 62nd wedding anniversary and my daughter’s graduation from high school in June 2025 in Japan.

Why Ozu, Japan one might ask? Ozu has been on my travel radar for about a year and a half. It is a unique travel experience which takes you off the atypical touristy path into the lives and enriching culture of the hosts. Ozu Castle has only 30 private guests allowed each year making it feel more exclusive and special. In cooperation with the Ozu City Counsel and VMG Hotels/Nipponia Hotels, a special Lord Experience unfolds for the lucky guests. The guest count is capped around 20 for dinner unless granted permission by the City and permissions by the chef who want to ensure the numbers do not exceed their ability to ensure a quality experience for everyone.
While my initial guest list hovers around 60+ guests we know from experience the attrition rate of actual RSVPs will fall well below the initial guest list numbers. I am expecting around 30 guests who may be able to truly make the event.

Guest Lists!! This is a great Segway into discussing event guest lists. It’s so very difficult to sit down and create your dream guest list, to ensure it’s inclusive yet feel exclusive to your party’s purpose. It is probably one of my biggest struggles of vacation planning for a large group which includes getting people to commit timely. So here are a few of my pointers:

1. List Everyone and make three columns designating
   • “Must” – Must Go!!
   • ”Would Like” – Would love it if they could attend
   • ”Honorable Invite” – Should invite knowing they more than likely are unable to attend
2. Ensure you have an RSVP date for everyone which is fairly reasonable for such a large event this far out knowing your guests may have unexpected plan changes out of their control
3. Communicate! Communicate with your guests regularly ensuring they understand their RSVP in a timely manner will greatly ensure-
   • You have the right numbers for planning
   • They have enough accommodations and guests get the accommodations they are wanting.
   • You can choose the appropriate tours for the group size.
4. Use Electronic Invites for Ease of planning!! I’ve tried a new site this trip…check it out. It’s very versatile and has a FREE version

Below are just a few of the entrancing pictures from the Ozu and Nipponia Hotel Website which caught my attention when I was researching and knew this was the place for our celebration!!

Remember to check back for updates during the year of our planning!