March - April 2026

Early Blooms at Sakura Jingu

While Japan rides the currents of cold and warmth this season, early-blooming cherry blossoms are starting to appear across gardens, parks, temples, and shrines.

Sakura Jingu in Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya, has long been a favored spot for catching early cherry blossoms, even in winter. The Kawazu-zakura variety, known for its deep, vibrant pink color and large petals, typically emerges from early February to early March. The blossoms last for about a month and bloom alongside yellow rapeseed flowers.

A unique sight at this shrine is the abundant display of blossoms tied around “hanaobi” pink ribbons, on which wishes for romantic partnerships, health, and prosperity are written. The enormous “enmusubi tree,” a sacred tree found at Japanese shrines, is especially dedicated to love and matchmaking. Thus, many young women often flock to this shrine.

Here are a few snapshots from my recent winter sojourn in Fukui Prefecture. Though it may not be as much of a buzzword destination as Kyoto or Osaka, Fukui boasts a rich history dating back to the Edo period and offers many sites well worth visiting. Among those I explored were:

Fukui Castle Ruins – Dating back to 1573, these ruins are located right in the city center.

Yokokan Garden – A 19th-century garden and villa once belonging to the Matsudaira Clan of the Edo period. The villa faces a large pond, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection.

Mikuni Minato – A historic port town about 50 minutes by train from Fukui Station. Kitamae-dori Street is lined with old merchant houses, shops, banks, and warehouses near the port. It once served as part of the Kitamae-bune sea trade route connecting Osaka and Hokkaido.

Awara Onsen – The neighboring town to Mikuni, with a hot-spring history dating back to 1883. Visitors can enjoy a “free” (donation-based) foot spa just across Awara-Yunomachi Station.

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple – One of Japan’s largest Buddhist temples, founded in 1244. Its vast interior requires plenty of stair climbing, while a serene garden sits to the left, embraced by surrounding forest trees.

Fukui Prefectural Library and Archives – A striking example of modern architecture by Fumihiko Maki. The building is encircled by a pond and set in the middle of an open field.

Fukui City Art Museum – A circular glass structure designed by Kisho Kurokawa, featuring a dramatic spiral staircase.