Plum Blossoms at Shounji Temple

One of Machida's best spots for enjoying plum blossom

Cathy Cawood Feb 22, 2016 - 1 min read

A white koi swims beneath floating petals

A large plum tree blooms next to the bell tower gate

The fragrance of the plum blossoms is beautiful

Bell tower gate seen from across the pond

A stone turtle perches on a rock under trailing plum branches

Delicate beauty blooming from old, gnarled wood

Pink plum blossom with graves in the background

Nicely shaped plum tree behind the drink vending machine

Long stamens at the heart of a red plum blossom

Plum trees behind a tall green hedge along the road

Tucked into the hillside below JR Yokohama Line is a small temple surrounded by a large graveyard. During March every year many plum trees in the temple garden and around the edges of the cemetery bloom in pink, white and red, spreading their sweet, spicy scent abroad. Although the best known place to view plum blossom in Machida is Yakushiike Park, the trees there bloom late, and somehow I always go too early, and am disappointed. Shounji Temple was so lovely, even though I visited the morning after a big storm, I plan to enjoy plum blossom there every year.

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...