Wakayama

Cherry Blossoms at Dojoji Temple

Known for a famous Kabuki play 'Anchin and Kiyohime'

Takako Sakamoto Mar 14, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Soft pink cherry blossoms in front of Goma-do Hall. It looks as though they are dancing in the air!</p>

<p>I visited early in the morning to find brilliant morning sunshine filtering through trees!</p>

<p>The main hall of Dojoji Temple contains two statues of Kannon (the goddess of mercy) with 1,000 hands, one facing south and the other facing north</p>

<p>A jizo statue standing in front of the main hall conveys compassion</p>

<p>This three-story pagoda with beautiful wood grain is designated as a prefectural cultural property</p>

<p>A weeping cherry tree with cascading boughs like a Japanese noren curtain</p>

<p>A weeping cherry tree beside the main hall. I was lost for words before its beauty!</p>

<p>Cascading cherry boughs beside Taiho-den Hall</p>

<p>Collage-like pathway paved with stones and kawara (Japanese roof tile)</p>

<p>This Yae camellia standing out in scenery monopolized by cherry blossoms was refreshing to my eyes</p>

On April 5th in 2011, I visited Dojoji Temple where the cherry blossoms are the earliest to bloom in Wakayama Prefecture. Wakayama is also known as the first place for spring's arrival in Kansai Region.

Dojoji is renowned not only for its gorgeous cherry blossoms in spring, but also for the legend of 'Anchin and Kiyohime', which was made into famous Kabuki, Noh and Joruri plays. I passed through the main gate and prayed at the main hall. Beside Taihoden Hall and the main hall, visitors were admiring the brilliant weeping cherry trees with exquisite blossoms.

The temple buildings are open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., however the grounds are open 24 hours. Please enjoy these beautiful cherry blossoms dancing in the air!

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...