Wakayama

Strolling around Negoroji Temple

Take a leisurely walk along Otani River

Takako Sakamoto Mar 25, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The pathway along the river flowing through the temple grounds. In early summer, Genji-botaru (the Japanese firefly) flies over the water.</p>

<p>Focusing on cherry blossoms in spotlight</p>

<p>There are an impressive 7,000 cherry trees in the temple grounds</p>

<p>Perfect combination of cherry blossoms and blue sky</p>

<p>Around Negoroji, beautiful nature can be enjoyed throughout the year</p>

<p>I'd like to name this soothing pathway 'Cherry Blossom Path'!</p>

<p>Looking at the temple grounds over the fence makes me feel like I've slipped back in time to the Middle Ages</p>

<p>Is this a training hall? or sleeping quarters? It doesn't matter what it is, it makes me feel so relaxed!  </p>

I visited Negoroji Temple in Wakayama, a temple renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot, on April 10th in 2011.

Any famous cherry blossom viewing spot becomes heavily crowded at this time of the year! Although Ohanami drinking parties are a lot of fun, it would be great to enjoy cherry blossoms that Japanese people love so much in a quiet, relaxing setting once in a while. Thus, every spring I can't decide where to go to enjoy cherry blossoms.

That's when I come to Negoroji Temple, which has gorgeous cherry blossoms spreading all over spacious temple grounds. The Otani River flows through the premises. I always love walking along the pathway beside the river and enjoying the petals dancing on the spring breezes.

Cherry Blossoms at Negoroji Temple in Wakayama

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...