Plum Blossom at Ishiyamadera

Temple with a connection to the world's first novel

Cathy Cawood Mar 05, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A temple building stands at the top of a terraced hillside</p>

<p>Statue of Murasaki Shikibu on the hillside</p>

<p>Pink plum blossoms against a blue sky</p>

<p>Thatched roof of a tower just visible over plum trees</p>

<p>Large rocks at the base of a tower</p>

<p>Gravel path near the Murasaki Shikibu museum</p>

<p>Stone lantern beside one of the temple buildings</p>

<p>The blossoms seem to glow in the late afternoon sunshine</p>

<p>A honey bee harvests blossom pollen</p>

In the Heian Era (794 to 1185 A.D) plum blossom was preferred over cherry blossom, so it seems somehow fitting that Ishiyamadera has so many plum trees, since it is linked to the story of Murasaki Shikibu, lady at the Heian Court, and probably the first novelist in the world. If you visit Ishiyamadera you are sure to enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens. The temple complex sprawls over a small mountain and there are a number of interesting buildings, as well as a small museum dedicated to the Tale of Genji's author.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...