Weeping Sakura
In the stillness of a rural temple cemetery, a grand old weeping cherry tree blooms with branches heavy with soft pink and white blossoms, its roots resting beneath generations. Petals drift in the breeze, like quiet echoes of lives once lived, reminding us that life, in some form, always continues.
Ryufuku-ji Temple
The dragon water spout at Ryufuku-ji Temple’s purification fountain shimmers in green and azure hues, touched by years of oxidization and the afternoon sun.
Hotaru Waterway Park
Colorful koinobori (carp streamers) flutter in the spring breeze beneath snowy mountains and cherry blossoms in Japan, symbolizing strength, courage, and hope for children’s growth and success during the Boy’s Day celebration.
Suwa Hachiman Shrine
Traditional Shinto shrine with red roof surrounded by cedar and pine trees under a bright blue sky in rural Japan. A peaceful, picturesque spring morning scene capturing cultural heritage, wooden architecture, and the tranquil beauty of the Japanese countryside.
Historic Schools
Panoramic view of two historic Japanese school buildings in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture: the Taisho Era School (1924, left) and the Old Tsugane School (1875). Both structures showcase a unique blend of traditional Japanese wooden architecture and Western-style design, reflecting Japan’s transformation during the Meiji and Taisho periods.
Suisha-no-Sato Koen
Springtime at Suisha-no-Sato Koen (Waterwheel Village Park) in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, where vibrant pink and white cherry blossoms frame a traditional thatched-roof rest house. In the distance, snow-capped Mt. Kaikoma rises majestically in the Southern Japanese Alps, creating a serene rural landscape that celebrates the charm of historic Japanese architecture and the enduring beauty of cherry blossoms.
Jisso-ji Temple Belfry
Traditional wooden bell tower at Jisso-ji Temple in the Hokuto region of Yamanashi, Japan. Featuring stout corner pillars and an open design, the bell tower houses a large bronze bell suspended from a central beam. This architectural style dates back to the 13th century. While thatched roofs were once common, tiled roofs now dominate temple structures in Japan.
Yamataka Jindai Zakura
Majestic and timeless, the Yamataka Jindai Zakura stands as one of Japan's Three Great Sakura Trees. Estimated to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old, it is among the oldest wild cherry trees in the nation—a living testament to resilience and beauty.
Jisso-ji Temple
Beauty of spring at Otsuyama Jisso Temple in rural Japan featuring ancient cherry blossom trees (sakura), vibrant daffodil fields, and a snow-capped view of Mt. Kaikoma in the distance.
Canopy of the Ancient Ones
Majestic, centuries-old juniper trees with deeply gnarled bark and sprawling twisted limbs stand as spiritual symbols in a tranquil Japanese forest that is part of Ose-jinja Shrine grounds. Surrounded by lush greenery, these revered trees embody natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the serene mystique of rural Japan.