2017 Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival Photos
2017 Yushima Tenjin saw the shrine draped in clouds of plum blossoms. The beautiful flowers brought a unique blend of serenity and tradition. Photographers came to capture them. There was something special here too. Students also came in large numbers. It was a day with perfect blue skies, a surprising crowd, and some nostalgia for the gear I used back then.
Why do so many students come to this shrine? Well, people visit it to pray to its two gods. One is Ameno-Tajikaraono-Mikoto, whose heavenly portfolio is sport and power. The other is Tenjin, who is all about learning and studying. He provides the connection with students!
Tenjin is the more popular of the two. As getting into a good university is important in Japan, many students ask him for a favor when taking exams. They do this by writing their requests on “ema.” Ema are little wooden plaques. You tie it to a rack, which is a symbolic tree.
Yushima Tenjin overflows with them at exam times. They will all have the kanji 合格 (gōkaku). Gōkaku means to succeed or pass exams. But whether he reads them or not is another thing, though!
Well, I wasn’t there for prayers. I was there for photographs. For my visit in 2017, the weather was fantastic. The sky was cloudless and deep blue. And with that, crowds came. The flowers looked superb.
For other plum blossom spots in Tokyo, check out Koishikawa Korakuen. Setagaya ward’s Hanegi Park is also good. You’ll find many good places around Tokyo.
2017 Yushima Tenjin plum blossom festival photo gear
I use a Canon EOS R-5. But, when I took these photos, I didn’t. At that time I used a Pentax K-3. Talk about different! Both systems are good, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Anyway, I don’t regret making the move, but occasionally nostalgia does pull at my heart!
Conclusion
Did you visit the 2017 Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossoms Festival? If you did, leave a comment below. But regardless of the season, the shrine is a great Tokyo photo spot.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will capture the entire city one day.
For more plum blossom articles, try these:
External related websites:
- Yushima Tenjin (official website)