I love walking around Gion in Kyoto. There's always something beautiful and interesting to see - traditional streets of old town houses and shops, rickshaws taking tourists around, maybe an apprentice geisha or two, door curtains and lanterns - and in February and March there is also plum blossom. These photos were mostly taken around the Shirokawa River, Maruyama Park, and Yasaka Pagoda.
- 1 min read
Searching for Plum Blossom in Gion
I found much more than plum blossom
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Wooden lantern in Gion
New leaves on the willow trees
Plum blossom overhangs the Shirakawa River as it flows through Gion
Waiting for a snack to swim past
Pale pink plum blossom
So pretty in pink!
Statue of Buddhist saint
Heron on the roof tiles
Roof tile oni
Unusually shaped tower
White plum blossom in the grounds of a shrine near Yasaka Pagoda
Join the discussion
Bonson Lam
12 years ago
I love the action photos of the Heron as well! Amazing what you can find in Kyoto!
James Forest
12 years ago
Great pictures. Too bad it was gray outside. Those types of pics would have been great if it was sunny or raining.
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
2An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Osaka - Sponsored -
3Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
4A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
5A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
6Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
7Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
8Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
9Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
10Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture