2025-04-08

Weeping Cherry Tree

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Bridging Heaven and Earth: The Weeping Cherry Trees of Japanese Cemeteries
昔のしだれ桜を通じて、魂たちはこの世へ、美しい春の花としてそっと戻ってくる


In the stillness of a rural temple cemetery, a grand old weeping cherry tree (Cerasus itosakura) blooms with branches heavy with soft pink and white blossoms, its roots resting beneath generations of headstones. Petals drift in the breeze, like quiet echoes of lives once lived, reminding us that life, in some form, always continues.

Cherry trees are a common sight in many of the cemeteries I’ve visited across Japan, whether during road trips to remote mountain villages or on daily walks with my dog through the neighborhoods I've called home over the past 40+ years.

One commonly cited reason for this presence is the belief that the cherry tree’s brief bloom symbolizes the fleeting nature of human life. The renowned folklorist Kunio Yanagita (柳田 國男, 1875–1962) traced this association between cherry blossoms (sakura) and death back to ancient times, when the deceased were often buried beneath cherry trees. It was believed their souls might briefly return to the living world through the ethereal beauty of spring blossoms.

In one of his writings, Yanagita suggests that weeping cherry trees, in particular, are inherently spiritual. He viewed them as sacred markers of the ground beneath which the dead rest thus deserving of respect and reverence. Their beauty being not merely ornamental but deeply symbolic.

Sakura blossoms are also widely regarded as symbols of rebirth. Ancient Japanese believed that cherry trees were thought to embody mountain deities who later descended to become gods of the rice fields. As such, the sakura marked the beginning of spring; a season of renewal and hope. 

Today, their bloom coincides with the start of Japan’s academic and fiscal year which starts on April 1st, offering a sense of optimism as students enter new schools and workers begin new jobs. In this way, cherry blossoms have become intimately tied to some of the most memorable milestones in a person’s life.

Back to older beliefs held in some regions, weeping cherry trees serve as conduits between the worlds of the living and the dead. Yanagita linked this idea to ancient spiritual practices that saw weeping cherry trees as dwellings for spirits. These trees were planted in cemeteries because they were thought to help souls travel between heaven and earth.

As I look at this tree, I can’t help but wonder: did the family who owns this plot plant the weeping cherry to ease the journey of their departed loved ones? And perhaps more personally, I find myself drawn to the idea of forgoing a traditional headstone one day, and instead resting among the roots of a weeping cherry tree, returning each spring in a quiet flurry of petals.

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Location: Ryufuku-ji Temple, Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/04/08・13:28
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/800 sec. at ƒ/5.6

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Location: 2306 Hakushūchō Daigahara, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0312, Japan

Ryufuku-ji Temple

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Dragons in Japan: Sacred Symbols, Folklore, and Modern Culture
日本の龍：宗教的なシンボル、伝承、そして現代カルチャーへ


In Japan, dragons are not just mythical creatures, but are also  symbols of protection, wisdom, and nature’s power. Revered throughout Japanese history, art, and folklore, dragons appear in many forms across the cultural landscape.

One of the most common places to encounter a dragon in everyday life is at a purification fountain (手水屋; chozuya or temizuya) found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Visitors use these fountains to wash their hands before approaching the sacred grounds to offer prayers or pay their respects. While not always the case, it is often at these fountains that we find a water spout in the shape of a dragon’s upper body.

This connection between dragons and water is no coincidence. In Japanese mythology, dragons are strongly associated with watery realms such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. This symbolism is vividly demonstrated at the Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine in Hakone, where a purification fountain features nine dragon heads overlooking Lake Ashi (Ashinoko). Another example is the legend of the golden dragon of Tanuki Shrine, which gazes out over Lake Tanuki in Shizuoka Prefecture.

In Buddhist tradition as well, dragons hold deep significance. By the 9th century, Chinese Buddhism had incorporated dragons as protectors of Buddha and guardians of Buddhist law, which had an   influence on Buddhism that spread to Japan. This Buddhist association is reflected in the frequent use of the character for "dragon" (龍; ryū) in the names of many Japanese Buddhist temples, including Ryūfuku-ji (龍福寺), where I took this photo.

Of course, dragons in Japan are not confined to religious contexts. In the modern era, they have also found a place in Japanese popular culture. Today, dragons appear in tattoo art adopted by a small number of contemporary young people (though still more commonly associated with the Yakuza) as well as in manga, video games, fashion, and many other forms of post-modern Japanese expression.

Personally, I had always pictured dragons as fearsome creatures of terror. That is why I find it fascinating to encounter an alternate view of these beings as revered and protective figures. In Japan, we see this perspective reflected in dragons carved into the beams of Shinto shrines, painted on temple ceilings, and gracefully adorning purification fountains. It is a beautiful reminder of the many layers of meaning that mythological creatures can hold regardless of cultural boundaries.

  • Location: Ryufuku-ji Temple, Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:43
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 63 mm ISO 100 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/5.6

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Copyright Notice for All Images:
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Location: 2306 Hakushūchō Daigahara, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0312, Japan

Koinobori and Sakura

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Koinobori & Sakura: Carp Streamers and Cherry Blossoms at Firefly Waterway Park
春爛漫のほたる親水公園で泳ぐ鯉のぼり


Carp streamers (鯉のぼり, koinobori) have long been a colorful symbol of celebration in Japan, traditionally flown on the fifth day of the fifth month for Boys’ Day. Originally, a streamer was flown for each male child in the family. This tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (12th century), when Tango-no-Sekku was recognized as an official holiday by the shogunate. The practice continued until 1872, when the holiday lost its official status following the start of the Meiji Period.

From the Meiji Period until World War II, koinobori became increasingly popular among commoners as part of Boys’ Day celebrations. In 1948, the holiday was renamed Children’s Day (Kodomo-no-Hi) and became a national holiday to celebrate the happiness and healthy growth of all children, regardless of gender. Today, koinobori are typically flown from late April through early May to honor children across the country.

Koinobori are windsocks shaped like koi fish, with open mouths attached to a pole or rope so their tails flutter freely in the spring breeze. These poles are often topped with two arrow-shaped wheels (矢車, yaguruma) and a spinning ball-shaped vane, believed to attract the attention of the gods.

While not a strict rule, some of my friends’ and relatives’ families in rural areas still decorate their poles with a five-colored streamer representing the five elements of Chinese philosophy. Below that, they hang a large black or dark-colored koi to represent the father, a red koi for the mother, and smaller, colorful koi for each child.

But why koi fish? These freshwater fish are admired for their strength and perseverance, known for swimming upstream against swift currents. Because of this, koinobori have come to symbolize courage, determination, and success.

In modern Japan, koinobori can be seen flying from homes, schools, and public parks, especially during Golden Week. In cities where private yards are rare, communities often display large installations in open spaces, drawing young families, grandparents, and tourists alike. Whether in the countryside or urban parks, these vibrant streamers continue to inspire hope that children will grow up strong and resilient—and they make for a wonderful photographic subject on a warm spring afternoon.

As a fitting backdrop for seasonal celebrations, Hotaru Shinsui Kōen (ほたる親水公園, literally "Firefly Waterway Park") adds another layer of meaning to the koinobori display. Developed in 2014 by volunteers from three surrounding villages in Hokuto Town, the park was designed to harmonize with nature. 

Fresh water from the nearby Ojira River is channeled into a series of slow-flowing, meandering creeks, creating an ideal environment for fireflies to thrive. Each spring, a local children’s club releases firefly larvae into the park, helping sustain a population that dazzles visitors with glowing displays from June to July. The combination of carp streamers fluttering above and fireflies dancing below highlights the deep connection between seasonal traditions and the natural rhythms of this rural community.

① Koinobori and Sakura
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:26
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 31 mm ISO 100 for 1/640 sec. at ƒ/4

② Koinobori and Mountains
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:28
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 63 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.6

③ Koinobori and Village
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:47
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 105 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/5.6

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© 2011-2025 Pix4Japan. All rights reserved.
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Location: Hotaru Water Park, 98 Hakushūchō Daigahara, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0312, Japan

Suwa Hachiman Shrine

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Tranquil Morning Light at Suwa Hachiman Shrine
朝の光に包まれた諏訪八幡神社の静けさ


Tucked away in the rural town of Hokuto in Yamanashi Prefecture, Suwa Hachiman Shrine (諏訪八幡神社) stands quietly behind two historic school buildings—the Taisho-era Tsugane Elementary School (built in 1924) and the original Old Tsugane School from 1875, both of which I featured in a recent post here: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250408-schools

Though the exact founding date of the shrine remains unknown, Suwa Hachiman Jinja was officially registered as a "village shrine" in May 1872.

Among the quiet cedar and pine trees, you’ll find traditional Shinto architectural details and spiritual markers that tell stories of the area’s cultural roots. One prominent stone monument features a carving of a deity associated with sericulture, holding a branch of mulberry leaves—a vital plant in the cultivation of silkworms, which were once essential to the region’s silk industry. 

Suwa Hachiman Shrine
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・10:20
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/60 sec. at ƒ/11

Stone Monuments
  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・10:23
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 34 mm ISO 800 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/5

Goddess of Sericulture
  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・10:25
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 34 mm ISO 200 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/4

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Historic Schools

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・09:36
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/8

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・09:59
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 40 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・10:03
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・10:07
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 45 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・10:10
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/11

Historic Meiji and Taisho Era Schoolhouses in Rural Japan
明治と大正時代の歴史的木造校舎―旧津金学校と大正校舎（山梨県北杜市）


These photographs capture two historically significant school buildings in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, nestled in the mountains at the southern foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. The building on the left is the Taisho Era School (大正校舎, Taishō-Kōsha), originally constructed in 1924. To the right stands the Old Tsugane School (旧津金学校, Kyū-Tsugane-Gakkō), built in 1875 and in continuous use until 1985.

Together, these schools illustrate Japan’s architectural and educational transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The 1875 Tsugane School reflects the Meiji-era movement to modernize education, blending traditional Japanese wooden construction with Western influences such as glass-paneled windows, gabled entrances, and symmetrical layouts inspired by European schoolhouses. The 1924 Taisho Era School, built to serve a growing student population, continued this hybrid style while incorporating updated materials and spatial arrangements suited to Japan’s rapidly evolving social and educational systems.

Although the original Taisho building was demolished in 1997, it was faithfully reconstructed using original blueprints and now functions as a community cultural center. The Old Tsugane School has been thoughtfully repurposed to house a retro-themed café and the Sutama History Museum, preserving both its atmosphere and architectural integrity.

Together, these structures stand as enduring symbols of Japan’s transition from feudal governance under the Tokugawa shogunate to a modern constitutional monarchy, embodying a national education system influenced by both global innovation and Japanese tradition.

I discovered these schools by accident while exploring the local area near the Waterwheel Village Park and I'm genuinely glad I took the time to check. The moment felt like stumbling across a time capsule in the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake — a reminder of how much history is quietly waiting to be found in Japan’s rural heartlands.

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Waterwheel Village Park

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・07:54
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 73 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/10

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  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・08:13
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/3.5

Traditional Waterwheel Mill and Cherry Blossoms in the Rural Highlands of Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan
山梨の高原に咲く桜と水車小屋のある風景


Nestled in the rural highlands of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Suisha-no-Sato Koen (Waterwheel Village Park) offers a tranquil view of Japan’s traditional countryside, framed by the majestic Mt. Kaikoma in the Southern Japanese Alps. This peaceful green space features a charming waterwheel mill house, a thatched-roof rest area, and seasonal blooms like pink and white sakura (cherry blossoms), making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Established in 1994, the park was created through the efforts of local volunteers to promote tourism, provide a relaxing destination for visitors, and revive the nostalgic scenery of rural hometowns. A functional waterwheel was installed using a gently flowing stream, which is powered by an undershot flow mechanism, and is connected to a working stone mill inside the traditional mill house.

Both the mill house and the covered rest pavilion were designed in harmony with regional architecture and feature authentic thatched roofs, which were renewed in 2020 to preserve their cultural and structural integrity.

The gentle creaking of the turning waterwheel, the sound of flowing water feeding into a pond teeming with colorful koi, and the view of snow-dusted peaks in the distance all create an atmosphere of deep serenity offering an enduring connection to Japan’s rural heritage and the natural landscape.

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Sakura Palette

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Sakura in Yamanashi’s Hokuto Countryside – A Palette of Pinks and Whites
山梨県北杜市の里山に咲く桜「淡紅と白の春色パレット」


Springtime at Suisha-no-Sato Koen (Waterwheel Village Park) in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, is a serene experience where vibrant pink and white cherry blossoms frame a gentle mountain stream that powers the park’s traditional waterwheel. This peaceful rural landscape captures the timeless beauty of sakura and the enduring charm of the Japanese countryside.

Arriving early in the morning, before other visitors appeared, gave me the rare opportunity to slow down and fully take in the scene: the vivid colors of the blossoms, the subtle floral aromas, birds chirping in the trees, the whisper of a soft breeze, the creaking of the waterwheel behind me, and the gentle murmur of the stream as it powered the wheel.

This kind of setting restores my spirit and recharges my motivation, thus giving me the strength to endure another week in the daily grind of life in the Tokyo metropolis before I can escape again to explore another quiet corner of Japan’s countryside with my border collie.

  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 2025/04/08・08:12
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 34 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/10

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© 2011-2025 Pix4Japan. All rights reserved.
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