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This is a sampling of pictures of my visit to the Oiwake Plum Grove (追分梅林) in Nakamachi, Nara. #plumblossom #plumblossoms #梅花 #広橋梅林 #visitjapan #japantravel #discoverjapan #photography #travelphotography #bairin #梅林 #ばいりん #追分梅林 #springinjapan #奈良観光 #お花見 #春の訪れ

Last night, while taking my little dog for a walk, I was captivated by the breathtaking sight of the moon rising over the majestic mountains of Kyotanabe. Its reddish hue gradually ascended over the peaks, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Regrettably, I only had my iPhone with me, which limited my ability to capture this incredible moment. At the time, the moon was in the Waning Gibbous phase, with an illumination of 96.2%.

The March Evening Moon (宵月) around Kyotanabe. #bloodwormmoon #wormmoon #marchmoon #springmoon #kyotanabe #japan #宵月 #eveningmoon #waninggibbous #waninggibbousmoon

Last Sunday, my family and I visited the Tsukigase Plum Grove in Nara Prefecture. The weather was perfect for spring, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 17 degrees Celsius. We weren’t the only ones captivated by the enchanting fragrance of the plum blossoms. The grove was bustling with people, creating an unforgettable experience. Tsukigase Plum Grove, located along the Nabari River in Nara Prefecture, is a picturesque spot known for its beautiful plum blossoms.

Tsukigase Plum Grove Along the Nabari River in Nara-Ken. #tsukigasebairin #月ヶ瀬梅林 #plumblossoms #梅花 #奈良 #しだれ梅 #narajapan #springinjapan #japantravel #お花見 #春の訪れ

Early spring has painted Nara in the most enchanting shades of pink. 🌸 Strolling along the banks of the Asuka River near the Fujiwara-kyo Ohashi Bridge, I stumbled upon these Kawazu-zakura, resembling a hidden garden. Despite it still being February, the arrival of spring is undeniable!

The Star of the Show: Kawazu-zakura in Nara. #kawazuzakura #earlycherryblossoms #narajapan #springinjapan #japantravel #河津桜 #藤原京 #奈良観光 #お花見 #春の訪れ #河津桜並木 #奈良観光スポット

In a quiet corner of Kyotanabe, a white plum tree blooms before spring dares to speak. Petals like soft snow rest on dark, patient branches, while the old village hut keeps its silence. Winter has not quite left— but hope has already arrived.

White Plum Afternoon — Kyotanabe. #plumblossom #plumblossoms #梅花 #広橋梅林 #visitjapan #japantravel #discoverjapan #photography #travelphotography #京田辺市

Nestled in the charming Naramachi district, the historic Tenjinsha (奈良町天神社) provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling tourist crowds. Its striking vermilion main hall stands as a testament to Nara's rich merchant history.

A quiet shrine at the edge of Nara Park.
#plumblossom #plumblossoms #梅花 #広橋梅林 #visitjapan #japantravel #discoverjapan #photography #travelphotography #narapark #nara

Plum Blossoms in Seika-cho, Kyoto-fu. #plumblossom #plumblossoms #梅花 #広橋梅林 #visitjapan, #japantravel, #discoverjapan #けいはんな記念公園 #bairin #梅林 #ばいりん #kyotoprefecture

Yesterday, I embarked on a quest to find the plum blossoms. The weather remains moderately cold, but once the sun gains strength, it will turn warm and sunny. I stumbled upon a shrine in Nara that holds profound historical significance for the Sugawara clan. The entrance of the Tenmangu shrine (柏木天満宮) was adorned with a magnificent white-and-pink plum tree. I think we need a bit more sunshine, for the plum blossoms are at their peak.

Plum Blossoms at Tenmangu, Kashiwagichō, Nara. #plumblossom #plumblossoms #梅花 #広橋梅林 #visitjapan #japantravel #discoverjapan #photography #nara #shinto

It was snowing when I woke up today. This is a rare occurrence here in Kyotanabe. I went to take a look and found only a handful of photographers. Shuon’an Ikkyu-ji Temple (酬恩庵（一休寺, nestled in Kyotanabe, is the residence of one of the country’s most renowned Zen priests, celebrated for his sharp wit. His mischievous childhood escapades are brought to life in the popular Japanese and Asian TV animation series, “Ikkyu-san.”

Snowflakes gently fall at the Ikkyu-ji Temple in Kyotanabe, Kyoto Prefecture. #snowday #snowsnowsnow #kyotojapan #kyototrip #zen #禅 #japanesegarden #日本の庭園 #京北随 #ikkyuji #酬恩庵 #ikyuji

Today, I visited the Kitano Tenmangu shrine in Kyoto’s western district. By the time the setsubun play commenced, a sizable crowd had gathered around Kagura-den, the Sacred Music Hall. The entire event spanned nearly 45 minutes. It was an incredible experience.

Setsubun at Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. #setsubun #節分 #japan #risshun #立春 #mamemaki #豆撒き #shinto #matsuri #festival #kitanotenmangu #北野天満宮 #maiko #舞妓 #kamishichiken #上七軒 #visitkyoto #japantravel

Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū (石清水八幡宮) in Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture, is hosting its annual Oni yarai hito (鬼やらい人) or “driving out demons” festival today. Chronological order of the “Driving out Demons” matsuri: After the Shinto priest and staff gathered in front of the Honden (本殿), the sacred peach bow was symbolically shot towards the four lucky directions (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest), as well as this year’s lucky direction, south-southeast. This was followed by striking a budding peach branch in the same directions. Then, four “demons” (Oni yarai hito - 鬼やらい人) entered the grounds, shouting and attempting to scare the children. The demons then tried to overrun the Shinto clergy, who defended themselves by throwing “Lucky beans” (Fukumame - 福豆) at them while shouting “Demons out! Luck in!” (鬼は外! 福は内! Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!). The demons were driven out, and then the real fun began with the “Lucky beans” (Fukumame - 福豆) game, where the beans were thrown towards the eagerly awaiting crowd. Canon EOS 60D January 31, 2016

Setsubun at Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū, Yawata, Kyoto-fu. #kyoto #yawata #iwashimizuhachimangu #石清水八幡宮 #setsubun #節分 #japan #risshun #立春 #mamemaki #豆撒き #shinto #matsuri #festival

Edo-Period Charm: Exploring Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho.
#isejingu #伊勢神宮 #おかげ横丁 #おはらい町 #oharaimachi #okageyokocho #isecity #伊勢 #三重県 #mieprefecture #shoppingstreet #商店街 #japan

The Oshikuma Hachiman Shrine in Nara, Japan, is a place of spiritual significance.
#shinto #shintoshrine #japanculture #sacredjapan #japanesehistory #nara #narajapan #神道

A short Video clip of my visit to Ujikami Shrine in Kyoto.

#kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #ujikamishrine #宇治上神社 #hatsumode #初詣帰り

Ujikami Shrine, a profound historical landmark, is renowned for housing the oldest original Shinto shrine building in Japan, dating back to approximately 1060. Initially constructed as a guardian shrine for the nearby Byodo-in Temple, it is celebrated for its elegant “Nagare-zukuri” architectural style. Here are some interesting facts: Ancient Heritage: The Honden, the main hall of the shrine, is a National Treasure and stands as the oldest example of shrine architecture in the country. Imperial Connection: The shrine houses Emperor Ojin and his sons, including the renowned scholar-prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko, whose significance is celebrated in local legends. Natural Spring: The shrine grounds boast the “Kirihara-sui,” one of the seven renowned ancient springs of Uji and the only one still flowing today.

Year of the Horse 2026: Ujikami Shrine in Kyoto. #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #ujikamishrine #宇治上神社 #hatsumode #初詣帰り

Year of the Horse 2026: Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto.

Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) exudes a quietly powerful presence, where ancient Kyoto seems to breathe alongside the New Year. #shimogamoshrine #下鴨神社 #shinesezodiac #newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り

Year of the Horse 2026: Go-ō Shrine, affectionately known as the “Boar Shrine,” is dedicated to protecting the legs and hips, a tradition dating back to an encounter with wild boars in the 8th century.
#newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り

Hatsumōde (初詣) is a Japanese tradition where people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples for their first New Year’s visit. During this time, they pray for health, happiness, and good fortune for the coming year. People often draw omikuji fortunes and buy new omamori amulets. Hatsumōde typically takes place from January 1st to the first few days of the year and is a significant spiritual renewal and fresh beginning in Japanese culture.

Year of the Horse 2026: Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto.
#shimogamoshrine #下鴨神社 #shinesezodiac #newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り

Year of the Horse 2026: Toka Ebisu matsuri in Kyoto. #tōkaebisu #十日戎 #ebisushrine #ゑびす神社 #ebisu #恵比須 #kyoto #歳改まり巡拝 #matsuri #japan #travelphotography #visitkyoto

For our Hatsumode in 2026, we visited the Goo Shrine (護王神社), across from the Imperial Palace grounds. It’s one of my favourite spots in Kyoto because of its mystical atmosphere.
#gooshrine #護王神社 #shinesezodiac #newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り

An Evening Encounter in Gion, Kyoto.
As the light softened over Hanamikoji-dori in Kyoto just after 5:00 pm, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a maiko on her way to work. #hanamikojidori #maiko #japanculture #sacredjapan #visitkyoto

Ise Jingū, the spiritual heart of Japan, quietly endures renewal, purity, and tradition. #isejingu #伊勢神宮 #iseshrine #shinto #shintoshrine #japanesespirituality #sacredjapan #moodyjapan #quietmoments #timelessjapan #japanesetradition #spiritualjourney #pilgrimage

At the end of last year, I was invited to Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto to photograph the “Year of the Horse” ema. #yasakashrine #八坂神社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #calligraphy #japanesclassicalpainting

Super Wolf Moon Over a Kyotanabe Winter Sky. This year, it is a super moon because the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky. #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #満月#yearofthehorse #kyotanabe #京田辺市 #月見 #fullmoon #wolfmoon #まんげつ #狼月 #ろうげつ

Year of the Horse 2026: Saga Shrine (佐牙神社) in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture. #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #kyotanabe #京田辺市

As we embark on the Year of the Fire Horse, may 2026 bring you strength, freedom, and the courage to pursue every dream. I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone for a year brimming with energy, momentum, and joyous adventures. Happy New Year! I genuinely appreciate your support for my site last year. Thank you so much!

As we embark on the Year of the Fire Horse, may 2026 bring you strength, freedom, and the courage to pursue every dream. Happy New Year!

#kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #thankyou #japan

Happy New Year 2026!

While at Yasaka Shrine last Monday, I caught a glimpse of the moon.
The moon was Waxing Gibbous (66.3%).

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
December 29, 2025

#yasakashrine #八阪神社 #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #japan #traditions #shogatsu #moon

Yesterday, I visited the Matsuo-taisha (松尾大社) in Arashiyama, Kyoto. After paying our respects, we indulged in some Mitarai tango at the Danpurin shop (甘味処 団ぷ鈴), which was conveniently located within the premises. Matsuo-taisha (松尾大社), a historic Shinto shrine situated just south of Arashiyama in Kyoto, holds a special place in the city’s history. Established in 701, it stands as one of the oldest shrines, revered for centuries as a sacred place to seek blessings for the sake and miso brewing industries. The shrine’s sacred spring water, used and revered by brewers for generations, has been a source of inspiration and prosperity for these artisans.

Year of the Horse 2026 - Matsuo-taisha (松尾大社). #matsuotaisha #松尾大社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine

Year of the Horse 2026 - Fujinomori Shrine.

Today, I visited the Fujinomori Shrine (藤森神社) in Kyoto. I had heard that they have a large ema (a wooden plaque) in the precincts.

#fujinomorishrine #藤森神社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine