Jonangu – Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival with Captivating Contrasts of Pink, Deep Crimson, and Green Moss Carpet

Jonangu (城南宮) is known for Genji Monogatari Hana no Niwa (源氏物語花の庭, Flower Garden of the Tale of Genji ), adorned by nature in every season. In the upcoming season, this shrine shows beautiful weeping plums and camellia flowers, creating a breathtaking collaboration of pink, red, and green. The scenery is stunning, offering a delightful experience!

When Heiankyo was founded, Jonangu was built with the hope of ensuring the peace and security of the capital and protecting the country. It’s worshiped for its blessings, such as warding off worries about moving and family matters, and warding off evil spirits. In addition, this shrine is also renowned for the ‘Flower Garden of the Tale of Genji’ located on its grounds, where visitors can enjoy approximately 80 types of flowers depicted in The Tale of Genji. Some of the plants, such as purple flowers and Mikuri ( simple-stem bur reed) now rare to see due to environmental changes in the Kyoto Basin. Many people visit the shrine specifically to appreciate this beautiful scenery.

In the garden, which is adorned by nature in every season, the weeping plum begins to bloom in the upcoming season. There are 150 weeping plum trees planted on the ’Haru no Yama’ (春の山, Spring Mountain) to the west of the shrine, and pink and white plum blossoms are in full bloom. At the same time, you can also enjoy the sight of camellia flowers gracefully falling on the moss. The crimson camellias that stand out against the green carpet and the pink weeping plum blossoms are breathtakingly beautiful. Weeping plums usually start blooming in mid-February and are the best to see in early March. During the ‘Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival’ from February 18th to March 22nd, Kagura performed by a shrine maiden holding a plum branch will be performed every day. Experience the arrival of the spring season by visiting this exquisite shrine.