Because we had to wait for my final exam before we could leave for Japan, we were afraid we’d miss the famous cherry (sakura) blossoms. As soon as we got to Tokyo we run to the nearest park we suspected to have cherry trees to catch the last of the flowers.

We caught sight of the cherry trees at Ueno park in Tokyo.

The Sakura Blossoms were checked off on our to do list and we continued with our sight seeing. A few days later as we were getting out of the train station in Kyoto, an enthusiastic old man walked up to us and insisted that we go to Ninnaji temple where the blossoms had just opened two days ago. We did and we were very glad for it. The temple had a cherry orchard in full bloom.

Sakura Blossoms in front of five story pagoda at Ninnaji temple

It was absolutely beautiful. There were picnic tables for people to have tea surrounded by cherry trees.

Tea time in the orchard

Unfortunately for us, we got there right before the temple was closing so we didn’t have the chance to relax with some tea. We did get a chance to take a few more pictures though.

Five story pagoda at Ninnaji

Sakura Blossoms