Large gardens surround the palace in central Kyoto. The cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom.
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are an important part of Japanese culture. People gathered on blankets under the trees, posed for pictures, and walked among the blossoming trees.
Sakura has many meanings — life and death, beauty and violence. The season is one of vitality and vibrancy, yet the short-lived flowers remind one of the fleeting nature of life.
The gardens, of course, have far more than the fleeting blossoms. Some pines have enormous bark patches.
Ponds dot through the grounds, and Japanese egrets have time to reflect.
As do herons.
Throughout the country, you are never far from shrines. And reflections are common there as well.
A person may clap their hands to attract the attention of the gods. Also, a suzu rope hangs next to the bell at a Shinto shrine that can be shaken to ring the bell as well. So here’s a Sakura Suzu to end our walk through the palace garden.
