Yushima Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo
On Feb. 20th, I headed into Tokyo for the afternoon to join a meetup group at the above named shrine. Why? To enjoy the first ume (pronounced "oo-meh" -- in English, plum) blossoms of the year! Sakura (cherry) blossoms are the most famous buds in Japan, but ume blooms about one month earlier, and are just as beautiful. I took many photos from the day... The shrine's gate: Lanterns on the steps: Triple ume bonsai...whoa! What does it mean? ^_^ Side view of the main shrine: Hanging lanterns with wood carvings: These are prayer tablets. This shrine is famous for studying, so many students visited, writing their wish to pass the entrance exam to university on these wooden tablets: Ume blossoms usually appear between mid February to mid March in Japan. Sakura blossoms occur from late March to mid April. Viewing blossoms is a national pastime in Japan, in which many people enjoy picnics outdoors, under the large blooming trees. A single ume bo...