A shrine in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto has opened its renowned plum garden to the public, allowing visitors to admire blossoms.
About 1,500 plum trees stand in the compound of Kitano Tenmangu. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, who is said to have adored plum flowers while he was alive more than 1,000 years ago.
About 30 percent of the buds on trees of early-blooming varieties in the garden have now blossomed.
This year, visitors can enjoy the sight of plum flowers decorated with lengths of sparkling crystal ornaments dangling from tree branches.
The special installation is the work of photographer and film director Ninagawa Mika and other members of a creative team.
The garden will remain open to the public through late May, with the plum flowers lit up during the night.
A local couple in their 30s who visited the shrine said they are looking forward to the nighttime illumination and that the garden will be much more enthralling once plum blossoms are in full bloom.
AloJapan.com