This post is not about a specific place, but a collection of beautiful places and spring scenes my friend and I recently enjoyed while roaming the streets of Tokyo. Tokyo can seem massive, chaotic & overwhelming. But all it takes is to turn around the corner to find yourself in a complete pocket of calm. I grew to love the cozy backyard shrines that exude quintessential vibe and utter serenity. I can have the whole place to myself, and take time to explore the details and artwork, while also enjoying the quietness of it all. Everywhere you go, you are deemed to be charmed. The beauty of Japan is that you don’t have to go to the “must see” spots or look for wonders in remote destinations to be impressed. You will be charmed wherever you go. In fact, I have been unfairly neglecting my own neighborhood for a year, and when I finally decided to explore the shrines around my house I was rewarded with a courtyard lined up with blooming kawazu zakura trees. Two minutes away from home. Isn’t it funny how we go sightseeing elsewhere, but never dedicate enough time to exploring our own neighborhoods or even hometowns? My best discoveries in Japan have always been off-beat, totally random and unplanned. The other day, Naomi and I were walking towards the train station when our curiosity took over and we peeked around the corner to find a beautiful little shrine, completely deserted. Sweet tart ume scent on the crisp air and the soft pink confetti scattered over weathered traditional scenes were a true treat and totally worth the detour. Follow your heart, not the itinerary. It will lead you to beautiful places. Anyway, without further ado, I want to share a few scenes around Tokyo and its outskirts. Of course, plum and cherry blooms had to be in the picture. It’s that time of the year.
Let the east wind blow and send your fragrance
Oh, plum blossoms
Do not forget the spring
Even though your master is gone.
Lord Sugawara no Michizane, 9th century
Linking up with my lovely ladies at Monday Escapes, City Tripping #67.
xoxo, nano
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Your photos are really amazing. Love it so much..
Great article and the photos ar wonderful, thanks a lot for sharing this :)
Thank you for reading!!
Wow stunning photos. I cannot believe that some of these places are just a couple of minutes from your home;) Prove that you don’t have to go far to experience places of interest. Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes, I’ll pin now;)
So true Lisa. I felt so guilty for not exploring my neighborhood sooner.
What a lovely idea for a post! And your photography just gets better and better!
Such beautiful photos! Japan really is beautiful in Spring. I agree about neglecting your own neighbourhood, I’m guilty of that but trying to do more backyard tourism. It’s amazing what you find! Thanks for linking #citytripping
Another beautiful post! #citytripping
Your photos are absolutely stunning. I adore Japan but have sadly never been during the blossom season.
I love this! Great photos, too :). Tokyo seems like it is just skyscrapers and concrete–but you’ve shown me a whole different side!
Super serene!!! I love that font/artwork that you did on your last photo. It pulls the post together.
Beautiful portrait of you in front of the shrine.
Very lovely. I like the statue of the sleeping monk with the mouse.
Thanks Stewie! Can you believe it, that was at the entrance of someone’s private garden! :)
It’s an adorable garden decoration.
Stunning photos! You captured everything so beautifully. I absolutely agree with what you wrote as well. Just yesterday, a friend of mine who will be travelling to Japan for the first time asked me to recommend some spots, and my response was pretty much, don’t worry about it…everywhere you wander you will bump into something amazing. :P
Elle, thank you so much for your sweet words! You are so right, Japan is one of those countries where you will be impressed everywhere you go. Although I do admit it, I still indulge in must-see lists when I travel somewhere new. 🙈😂
Incredible! Those places look so tranquil and beautiful!
Thank you Len! Tranquil is a perfect word to describe it :)
Yeah, Tokyo’s an eclectic mix indeed! We truly enjoy this city each time we are there!
Thank you Mel! It’s impossible not to enjoy Tokyo, right? :)
Of course! One can find almost anything!
Great photos, stunning…
Max, thank you!!