Toji Temple
- Match-Making Charm and Strap
- Price: 500 yen
On a clear night, go to Toji Temple to see the cherry blossoms at night!
Among the many lit-up cherry blossom viewing spots, my favorite is Toji Temple’s nighttime cherry blossoms. The weeping cherry blossoms that cascade down from the night sky like a pink waterfall are exceptional. Illuminated from the ground, they shine with a majestic glow.
Here, in addition to the cherry blossom good luck charms with straps on them, you can also get a “Limited Edition Illumination Stampbook (御朱印帳)” and a “Match-Making Good Luck Charm” complete with traditional Japanese craftsmanship of a decorative Japanese cord made from twisted paper known as “Mizuhiki.”
Mizuhiki Craftmanship is one of Japan’s traditional handirafts. Paper and fine thread are sewn together to create intricate patterns and designs. It is usually used for greeting cards, book decorations, and gift wrapping. It is a very elaborate and beautiful charm, so how about getting your hands on one for yourself?
Hirano Shrine
- Awase-sakura (cherry blossom-scented charm) / Imose Cherry Blossom Charm
- Price: 800 yen for both
The Imose cherry tree is a variety unique to Hirano Shrine. It produces large pink flowers with dozens of overlapping petals. The blooming season is usually from mid-April to May. It is possible to enjoy cherry blossom viewing a little later than usual this year.
At Hirano Shrine, there are two charms associated with this type of cherry blossom.
- Sakura-awase Omamori: Paper charm with the scent of cherry blossoms
- Imose-Sakura Omamori: A cute amulet that looks like a lovely pile of cherry petals
Considering the fact that the Imose cherry tree bears two fruits, it is said to bring blessings to protect the happy marriage of two partners and the bond of two good friends. Unfortunately, the Imose cherry tree was not in bloom at the time of our visit, but we received a good-luck charm instead. May your relationships with cherished friends last for many years to come!
Shimogamo Shrine
- Seasonal Charm with Cherry Blossom Motifs
- Price: 1,500 yen
The most eye-catching thing at Shimogamo Shrine is the beautiful charms with cherry blossom motifs, which is very popular this year. If you have the chance, be sure to collect it! Seasonal good luck charms have been on sale since last November and have different patterns for each season. Autumn leaves in fall, snow in winter, and cherry blossoms in spring, but a summer pattern has yet to be announced. The seasonal designs make these charms special and something worth collecting.
Shimogamo Shrine is also famous for the Aoi Festival. Along with the Gion Festival and the Jidai Festival, it is considered one of the three major festivals in Kyoto. The Aoi Festival is held on May 15 and features people dressed in Heian-period clothing, giving visitors a sense of being able to cross through to a different era in time and space. I think I’d really like to visit this year.
Heian Shrine
- Cherry Blossom Charm
- Price: 800 yen
As I passed by Heian Shrine on my way home, cherry blossom petals slowly fell under the evening sun and drifted off into the distance.
In Kyoto, when you come across a beautiful scene, just stop to enjoy it and the day will fly by.
Heian Jingu Shrine has a beautiful Shinto garden (fee required), which is also open at night during this season. It is a great spot to take a walk while enjoying the flowers on your day off. The cherry blossom charms at Heian Jingu are not limited to a certain time of year, but are available all year round.
The cherry blossom period is a short one, but we will witness it once again come next year.
コメント