Mid Feb
Late Mar
<p>Trailing sprays of pink weeping plum</p>
Trailing sprays of pink weeping plum (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Plum Blossom at Jonan-gu in Kyoto 2025

Shinto shrine with a garden to inspire poetry

Cathy Cawood   - 1 min read
Venue : Jonangu Shrine When : Mid Feb - Late Mar 2025

Jonan-gu is a Heian Era Shinto shrine that was built in 794 when the court moved from Nara to Kyoto. It is famous for a Heian style poetry event called Kyokusui-no Utage, held twice a year in the beautiful garden in spring and autumn. A camellia and weeping plum festival takes place at the shrine in February and March. These photos were all taken in mid-March when the shrine is full of plum blossom. Maybe the gorgeous plum blossom will inspire you to write poetry!

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

 I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...