It is getting warmer and warmer, birds are singing, trees started to bloom, winter is almost gone and spring is ready to take its place.
Many argue that spring is the best season to visit Japan and the reason for that are of course the country’s famous sakura or cherry blossoms. But before hanami or cherry blossoms viewing, let’s talk about ume or plum blossoms because plum trees are the first to bloom, starting as early as January in some regions. In Tokyo, they started blooming early in February and around this date, it is the best time to see them in all their splendor. Not only are the flowers exceptionally pretty but their fragrance is also special.
Some of the best places to admire plum blossoms are shrines/temples and parks. We found beautiful plum flowers in Setagaya-ku, at Gotokuji Temple. This temple is not famous for plum flowers but for its many maneki neko (lit. “beckoning cats”) and it was actually my second time visiting it. The legend says that if you buy a little (or big) cat, depending on your budget and on your wish and make a wish, when the wish comes true you should return the cat there. I guess the lucky cats granted the wishes of many visitors, considering how they multiplied since I last visited the temple two years ago. I am also very grateful to the temple and the cats because the wish I made two years ago came true but unfortunately I forgot to bring my little cat back to the temple. I bought a new little one for only 300 yen. Visiting the temple does not require any fees though so I think this is a good way to help its preservation.
The temple is located in a residential area, 10 minutes walk from Gotokuji station on the Odakyu line. Besides this temple, there are not many things you can do there but I recommend having sweet potatoes at the small shop on the way to the temple! There I tried purple potato for the first time in my life and it was delish. The area surrounding the temple is very quiet so if you are looking for a more animated place, try Shimokitazawa, on the same Odakyu line. This has become my itinerary when I take the Odakyu line, a few relaxing hours at Gotokuji then Shimokitazawa for shopping, food and so on. I love it how Tokyo has a little bit of everything! Old and new, expensive brands but also lots of thrift shops, oases of silence but also the hustle and bustle of big cities. I don’t think one can ever get bored in Tokyo… there are always new places to discover, new events taking place and so on. Sometimes even returning to your favorite places is an adventure.
Thank you for reading and have a lovely spring!
