The Shintō shrine Jōnangū (城南宮) in Kyōto, was a palace of Emperors from the beginning of the #Heian Period in 794. It has #gardens from different periods since then, and a patch of pink and white #plum blossoms around a big stone lantern is a most stunning sight to behold. Several years ago the head priest showed me around and explained the history in Japanese. Jōnangū is not well known to tourists, but it draws many reverent Japanese.
The third photo is of a teahouse and a reddish variety of plum blossoms. The last photo shows what my American friend whom I guided got: a seal written in #calligraphy by the shrine maiden (o-miko-san). Jōnangū is written down the center, with yesterday's date down the left side. The right side is what the shrine especially offers: houyoke - a #prayer to avoid obstacles or worries, such as with one's family. There is a great demand for such #blessings nowadays.
NEW Deep in Japan podcast "KUKAI THE UNIVERSAL with Professor Steve McCarty" on the life and times of Japan's great saint Kūkai, Esoteric Buddhism, and Zen. I discuss the book in terms of East Asian history, language education, and translation issues including voice. My philosophy is expressed as well, so comments would be much appreciated. Listen at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1903791/13001040
(or find it at Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, etc.).