Plum Blossom at Kitano-Tenmangu

Ancient shrine buildings surrounded by fragrant beauty

Cathy Cawood Mar 13, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Stone lanterns and pink plum blossom</p>

<p>Pale pink blossom on a weeping plum tree</p>

<p>Plum blossom motif on black and white lanterns  </p>

<p>Entrance to inner courtyard of shrine</p>

<p>Pink plum blossom and stone torii</p>

<p>Stone lanterns and white plum blossom</p>

<p>Donated barrels of sake on display within the shrine</p>

<p>Plum blossom in front of a small window  </p>

<p>The woman on the left has plum blossom on her kimono</p>

I have wanted to see the plum blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu for a long time. This ancient Shinto shrine has many different varieties of plum trees planted throughout the shrine grounds. The various shades of pink and white blossom look exquisite against the shrine buildings, and the delicious spicy fragrance greets you as you stroll along the paths. There is also a large orchard next to the shrine with paths and seats. It looked beautiful, but was already closed because I visited the shrine in late afternoon. Now that I have seen plum blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu, I want to see them every year!

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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...