Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots ・ Chomyoji Temple
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This little local temple is a must-see sakura spot for anyone exploring Tokyo in the spring.
Established more than 400 years ago in the year 1609, Chomyoji Temple is a quiet outpost of Japan's Nichiren school of Buddhism, which follows the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest Nichiren. Despite the centuries of temple history, and a beautiful bell tower that has survived since the 1600s, most of the visitors who arrive throughout the year are local residents, many of whom are coming to pay their respects at the temple's graveyard. Chomyoji Temple was in fact constructed with mourning in mind, having been built in part to mourn the spirits and honor the dead who had fallen in battle. However, a different kind of visitor starts arriving at the temple around mid-March each year, coming for one very different purpose: hanami.
Chomyoji Temple's cherry blossom tree is believed to be around 40~50 years old, and over the years it has grown up, out, and over, now hanging gracefully above the heads of visitors walking to the temple's main hall. The elegant, dangling branches are a key characteristic of this particular variety of sakura, generally called "weeping cherry blossom" trees in English, or "shidare-zakura" (枝垂れ桜) in Japanese. There is evidence of these weeping cherry blossoms being found in Japan as far back as the Heian period (794-1185), but as recessive characteristic of the cherry tree, the pendulous branches of Chomyoji Temple's towering tree – dripping with little whitish-pink flowers – are still a rare treat for the eyes.
One other feature of these weeping cherry blossoms is their slightly early blooming period! Although sakura season starts at a slightly different time each year, Tokyo's biggest sakura spots usually line up with the flowering period of the "Somei Yoshino" (ソメイヨシノ) or Yoshino Cherry variety of sakura, which tend to come into bloom around the last week of March. Weeping cherry blossoms bloom a little bit earlier, and often look their best around mid-March, making them an excellent choice for travelers arriving in Tokyo a little bit early for other sakura spots.
The beautiful cherry blossoms at Chomyoji Temple make it a must-see sakura spot, but there's no denying that the temple is still a small space without too much else to see. The temple is conveniently accessible from Nippori Station, and admission is free, but after taking in the flowers (and admiring the centuries-old bell tower), visitors might end up wondering what to do next. Fortunately, the surrounding Yanesen area of Tokyo is a great part of the city to explore on foot! Yanaka Ginza shopping street can be found just steps from the temple, full of little shops and places to grab a bite to eat, with plenty of local restaurants and trendy cafes within a few minutes walk. And for visitors who arrive towards the end of March, nearby Yanaka Cemetery is actually another one of Tokyo's best-kept sakura secrets! (Even Ueno Park, one of the city's most famous hanami destinations, is within easy walking distance.) There's plenty to see after visiting Chomyoji Temple, for those who want to see another side of Tokyo!
Chomyoji Temple (長明寺)
5-10-10 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo
Access: 5 min from Nippori Station, Nishi-Nippori Station, or Sendagi Station
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NAME:Chomyoji Temple (長明寺)
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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