Backpackers Hostel's Blog l J-Hoppers Guest House Lounge

Cherry blossom
just ended their magical show and now it's time for the other flowers to show their beauty.
There are so many flowers are blooming in every temples and shrines in Kyoto .
Also the fresh green of Momiji leaves are so bright to our eyes.
I went to Honnen-in temple, one of my favorite temple in Kyoto .
When I'm gazing the moss, I almost find the wide universe within small world .
Blooming time! A lot of people might think there is not much to do or see for this moment in Kyoto.
no way no way, I think this is one of the best time of the year to visit Kyoto.
The weather is so mild and easy to chill out.
I wish I could show you how colorful they are and send you the gorgeous scent of those flowers.
Reina

In Japan, new school terms and most entrances of companies start in April. So there are always cherry blossoms with the entrance ceremonies. I think most Japanese take April as the month to turn over a new leaf as well as New Year’s Day.

Typical scean of a scool entrance ceremony

Wild plants and vegetables like brackens (=warabi) or horsetails (=tsukushi) also begin to sprout. When you go to Japanese style restaurants or izakayas in this season, you may luck out in these kind of wild vegetables (=sansai). Please try them.

Other sansai (wild vegetables) you may see in the restaurant in this season

Tarano-me (tara sprout)

Fukinoto (butterbur sprout)

Nanohana (Field mustard)

The cherry blossom is commonly celebrated by eating and drinking under the trees while enjoying the return of warmness. But even busy people can enjoy them by going at evening to one of the numerous lightups organized at this season. The whiteness of the 'sakura' even get stronger on a dark blue background !

Yesterday, I checked the homepage of Kyoto Imperial Palace and I found an article that said some cherry blossoms started to bloom!! I was so happy to know it!! One type of cherry blossoms called Itozakura is mainly blooming especially around Konoeike Pond in the Imperial Palace. To visit inside the Palace, you need to make a reservation at the office there at least 30 min before English tours start (there are two times a day, ~10:00, ~14:00). However, to see these cherry blossoms, you can just pop in the Palace. I used to go there to eat lunch box when I was university student.

The temperature in Kyoto is getting higher and higher. I don't need thick jackets and sweaters any longer, and put them into boxes in the closet till November *v* .

Aki introduced Kitano Tenmangu Shrine the last week and I tell you the other Ume Blossoms viewing place. At this place you can look at Ume Blossoms without a fee. It's Kyoto Gyoen (National Garden). I went there on 16th Sunday, and Umes are 30% blooming. I think the best time is the next week and weekend.

When I see Umes blooming, I feel that the busiest tourist season come. Peoples are walking here and there any time any day and traffic jams are occurred anywhere. And the city is surrounded by red plum petals and pink cherry petals. The most exciting and beautiful season is just around the corner. Why don't you come to Kyoto ?

Kyoto Hanatoro has just started, too.