Ume Blossom: Jan. 30, 2024

 

It is still January, but ume blossom is approaching its peak at Hanegi Park in Umegaoka district in Setagaya City, western Tokyo.

The opening of ume, or Japanese apricot, seems to become earlier as years pass.

 

Today was a fine day.

There are hundreds of ume trees in the park

I found white, red flowers.

 

I also found bare gingko trees behind ume trees. (See also the top photo)

 

Some trees have yellow flowers. The smell well.

 

People were enjoying the flowers.

 

 

New Year’s visits to shrines and temples: Jan. 1-5, 2024

 

 

The year of 2024 started.

Japan had a large earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture on the first day of the year.

Hundreds of people are estimated to lose ther lives; tens of thousands of people lost their houses; tens of communities are isolated as roads and communications lines are cut.

I visit several shrine and temples to make new year’s prays. I prayed for the safety of the victims and recovery of the disaster-hit people areas.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the largest shrines in Tokyo. It is in an artificial forest. (see also the 2nd photo)

Millions of people visit there on January 1 every year.

There were fewer, but many people in the shrine on Jan. 5.

 

Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine is also a popular spot for new year’s visit.

They displayed works of calligraphy by elementary-school kids at the sides of the approach to the shrine.

 

Gotokuiji Temple is famous foe its lucky cats. (See also the top photo)

I found many foreign tourists there on Jan. 1.

 

People made a long queue at Setagaya Hachiman Shrine on Jan. 1. The queue continued outside of the shrine. (See also the 3rd photo)

 

I visited Rokusho Shrine in the evening.

There was a place to burn last year’s good-luck charms.

I burned several items with my gratitude for the safety in the last year.