Japan Travel: Weeping Plums at Jonan-gu Shrine in Kyoto

“Jonan-gu” Shrine is located in Fushimi Ward, a little far from downtown Kyoto. It was created as a guardian deity guarding the southern part of Kyoto and protecting the country when Heian Kyoto moved the capital. It worships the gods who relieve disasters in all directions. “Jonan-gu” Shrine's architecture is unified in the Heian period style. In addition, there will also be a “song and water” banquet here, where everyone sits by the flowing water, and there are often activities such as flower viewing and poetry writing. Held twice a year in spring and autumn, this elegant traditional event forms a beautiful sight in the ancient capital.

"Plum blossoms are fragrant, and willow branches bloom." This Waka from the Central Plains was included in the "Goshui Wakashu". This waka dreams of a supreme vision of the beauty of flowers, and branches blending together, and at the same time expresses a touch of sadness that the dream cannot be realized. "Jonan-gu” Shrine can remind the nobles of the Heian period of the spring scenery they once dreamed of.

Weeping plums in “Jonan-gu” Shrine - the first spring in Kyoto

Among the many shrines guarding Heian-kyo, "Jonan-gu" is a shrine built on the southern side. About 150 weeping plums in the courtyard have also added a certain reputation to the shrine. Weeping plums blooming like a shower and drooping branches outline the scene like the ideal flower chanted by the Central Plains. "Jonan-gu" is full of plum blossoms, and the sweet and soft fragrance of plum blossoms lingers everywhere.

Plum blossoms are the first flowers that convey the meaning of spring in winter when buds are asleep. During cold winters, the days get longer and longer. If we see one or two plum blossoms on the street or in front of the courtyard at this time, then our mood will become as warm as a ray of sunshine. There are so many plum blossoms planted in the "Jonan-gu” Shrine, and visitors will surely feel a touch of warmth by admiring these plum blossoms. The main use of the “Jonan-gu” Shrine is that "the courtyard is not for practice, but a courtyard for healing and rest for worshipers". The the courtyard was designed by Nakagen Kinsaku. It is headed by "Spring Mountain", and is divided into five areas with different interests.

"Spring Mountain" is built on a gentle hill. When the weeping plums are in full bloom, the branches pour down, and when the flowers fall, the hills are covered with plum petals. In addition, the road from the entrance of the garden to "Spring Mountain" and "Heian Garden" is full of various camellias, which is unique. From late February to mid-March, while admiring the plum blossoms, people can see the camellias falling from the moss piece by piece. Hiroshi Yamamoto of the Joanna Palace Propaganda News commented, "When the flowers bloom, you can enjoy the flowers blooming in the wind, and when the flowers fade, you can enjoy the carpet of petals. The scenery changes with the seasons. Visitors can come multiple times in different seasons."

At the "Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival" held from December 18 last year to March 22 this year, shrine maidens named after plum blossoms danced with Kagura. In addition, the "camellia cake" sold on the road is also a great fun. The local Japanese bakery shop "Songfudo" imitates the camellia to make the Daomingji cake, which tastes the same as the sakura cake, and it is full of spring flavors!

About 80 kinds of flowers and plants appear in "The Tale of Genji", and they bloom with each other throughout the year, as if to represent each season. Among them, the plum blossoms that bloom in the cold are the first flowers to transmit new buds. When the plum blossoms of the "Jonan-gu” Shrine are in full bloom, it means that spring has arrived. At this time, people will go to the place with the mood of welcoming spring and be immersed in the world of flowers, smelling the sweet and sour fragrance, watching camellias fall.