Yushima Tenjin

The Last of the Plum Blossoms

One thing I've learnt about Japan is to go to Festivals just after or before they've "officially" begun. The yatai are usually set up, there are plenty of people to make it atmospheric but not so many that you have to wear an oxygen mask to breathe, and for the seasonal festivals, like Hanami (cherry blossoms), Momijigari (autumn leaves), and Ume (plum blossoms), you can't time there blossoming to the day, so there's plenty to see in that window on either side of the "Festival".

The insane remnants of last week's festival

So when Kurt from Easterwood mentioned the Ume Festival at Yushima Tenjin but rued that it finished last weekend, I thought "no worries mate! perfect timing!"

I headed there early morning when only a few people were scattered about. It's a beautiful provincial shrine, much nicer than Meiji Jingu which I find a little soulless. And as I expected, the plum blossoms were on the way out, but still lots to photograph.

Wedding

Yushima Tenjin Photo Gallery

Tomorrow: Shibuya Sunday