Cherry blossoms and the temple gate looking up from just above the ground

Year 2025March 2025MarchSaitama prefecture (Kantou area)Sanzang Temple (in Tang-dynasty China)cherry blossomblooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)
This photo captures the feeling of gazing up at the temple gate and cherry blossoms from just inches above the ground at Mitsuzoin Temple.

This photo was taken just before dawn, looking up at the temple gate and cherry blossoms from a position close to ground level. It captures the quiet air of the early morning. The Anko cherry blossoms blooming within the grounds of Mitsuzoin Temple create a serene scene that heralds the start of spring. They typically bloom a little earlier than the Somei Yoshino varieties, gently coloring the approach path and temple grounds in soft pink. The combination of the temple's charming architecture and the cherry blossoms is full of Japanese sentiment and perfect for photography. You can capture the petals translucent in the morning light and various expressions of spring from different angles.