Jonangu Shrine East Torii Gate & Weeping Plum Gardens, Kyoto

Jonangu Shrine East Torii Gate & Weeping Plum Gardens, Fushimi, Kyoto. Revered for over a millennium as the guardian shrine protecting Kyoto from misfortune and adverse directional influences, Jonangu is internationally celebrated for its stunning Shin-en botanical sanctuary. In early spring, thousands of pink weeping plum blossoms (shidare-ume) and camellia flowers create a mesmerizing floral carpet. Pilgrims savor Oseki Mochi, a legendary 450-year-old handmade red-bean rice cake, and tour nearby Fushimi sake breweries. ✦ Must-Visit Highlights: ▸ Enchanting Weeping Plums: Marvel at weeping plum trees cascading like pink waterfalls over blooming red camellias. ▸ Legendary Oseki Mochi: Delight in soft, 400-year-old traditional pounded mochi topped with rich azuki bean paste. ▸ Fushimi Sake Proximity: Tour nearby historic sake brewery canals and taste world-famous pure groundwater brews.