East meets West in Santa Fe  Why you ask? Because it's a lot
quicker (and a whole lot cheaper) than flying to Kyoto.  ten
thousand waves hot springs Photo: Jen Judge  Why go now: In
Santa Fe, Far East meets Southwest for a fraction of the airfare
to Kyoto.  Dress code: Colorful, loose clothing (call it dojo
chic). But make sure to layer because ...  Altitude: ... at
7,000 feet, Santa Fe is the highest state capital and chilly in
February.  Sister city: Tsuyama, Japan  Twin- cities fact: Tea:
A Mirror of Soul, a contemporary opera about a Japanese monk's
heroic quest, had its world premiere in Tokyo (2002) and its
American one in Santa Fe (2007).  True fusion: Chef Joel Coleman
blends French technique with Asian ingredients  at Mauka ($$$;
544B Agua Fria; 505/984-1969).  Number of art galleries: More
than 250  Weekly Japanese film night: Arrive early for the 7:15
p.m. Thursday show at Ten Thousand Waves (free; on Hyde Park
Rd., about 20 minutes from Santa Fe Plaza; 505/982-9304).
Reason to come back: The Apri