Near Kinkaku-ji, the gorgeous cherry blossoms at this modest shrine (Hirano jinjya) have been the focus of an annual spring festival since 985. The pale pink petals contrast with vermilion lanterns lining the lanes of this Heian-style complex. The shrine was brought here from Nagaoka, the country’s capital after Nara and before Kyoto. There are 45 different species of 500 Continue reading «Emperor Kazan’s Favorite Sakura Garden!»

Kitano Tenman-gū is a Shinto shrine in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was built in 947, to appease the angry spirit of bureaucrat, scholar and poet Sugawara no Michizane, who had been exiled as a result of political maneuvers of his enemies in the Fujiwara clan. The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period. In 965, Emperor Continue reading «Baikasai (梅花祭) at Kitano Tenman Gu, Kyoto!»

One often hears the people of Japan saying that among flowers, their favorite is the plum. In the hilly southern region of Joyo City one can find the Aodani Bairin; it is a name which has been known since old times and a place which is often visited by plum-watchers. Other than the natural attractions and beautiful landscape, there is Continue reading «Aodani Bairin: Plum Blossom Matsuri in Joyo!»