It’s kind of a strange time to past photos of spring time. And I don’t know why I have the sudden urge to appreciate flowers today. Still, all beautiful things and scenery can be appreciate anytime I suppose.
It wasn’t too long ago, when we could still freely travel and mingle, unlike the last 3 months where most of us are literally just touring our rooms. It was early spring time, and I had the wonderful opportunity to drop by, possibly one of the most picturesque cherry blossom places on Earth. The very renowned, beautiful, yet incredibly humble Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no michi) (https://goo.gl/maps/daJGHcXvBn3DuEHu6 ) in Kyoto Japan.
It was my first time visiting Kyoto and neighboring Osaka, in a single backpacking journey where I literally depended on Google Maps and Google Translate, and stayed in a 1m x 1m x 2m capsules throughout. (that’s a story for another time) 
. And it was spring! It was my first time seeing cherry blossoms. And a first time to be awed with so many flowers in a single area.
Cherry blossom trees are related to our edible cherry trees, but are from the Japanese Cherry family also known as Sakura, and do not provide edible fruits. But unlike actual cherry trees, these bloom into a full tree of flowers in early spring time. One must time the visit accurately to catch the trees in full bloom, which is usually a period of 1-2 weeks at the peak.
The beautiful cherry blossoms dependent on trees, may bloom white, to a slight shade of pink, which in combination, is truly remarkable. Walking through the Philospher’s path, there is a sense of peace, with the cool breeze, and sound of water flowing through the stream, no doubt why the name Philosopher’s path is given to the place.
Along the 3km walk path, one walks by the small stream, and passing my many local houses, shops and huge crowds of people. It’s a time to reflect and take in the beauty of simple things in life, and yet to know that all things are not permanent, as the flowers will wither and fade after a few short weeks, and then come again in full bloom the year after.
I envy and respect Japanese people who in remarkable effort, keep the entire country so clean and natural, that even the stream is full of Japanese koi fish, and this is a free flowing natural stream, not a man made pond. And that everything seems alive. So much we can all learn from them on how to sustain a balance with nature.
I long to head back there some day. And in the short term, hopefully travel can be safer again in the wake of the current global pandemic.
Take a Street View Tour of the Philosopher’s Path via the link below.
https://goo.gl/maps/dzCsReTmB6DWfrfo6
Have you been here? Share your own experiences with cherry blossom trees blooming in spring time.
*All photos are self taken
