Along Kyoto’s famous Philosopher’s Path, near the World Heritage site of Ginkaku-ji temple, the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom. Fallen petals drifting floating on the Biwa Canal have formed a beautiful “flower raft” on the water’s surface, stopping many passersby in their tracks.

Cherry blossom petals floating on the Biwa Canal along Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, April 2. (©Sankei by Daiki Watanabe)

Early Bloom in Kyoto

The Kyoto Local Meteorological Office reported that Somei-yoshino cherry trees in the city reached full bloom on March 30.

On April 2, a 19-year-old student visited the path, fresh from his university entrance ceremony. “I couldn’t help but let out a gasp,” he said, adding that the view inspired him to make the most of his university years.

Cherry blossoms at their peak along the Philosopher’s Path.

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Daiki Watanabe, The Sankei Shimbun

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