Hirano Jinja

This was my first time here. It was highly recommended by my Japanese friends and I thought since it is *free* (yes, I have to be Mr Scrooge this month!), and I had the day pass for the bus, why not visit the place?



This place is famous for the sakura trees. They have a lot of trees growing in their grounds of different species. Most of the trees are tall, so when you look up to the sky, to quote my friend Oyabu-san, it is like seeing 'sakuras in the sky'. Many stalls with sitting platforms were set up underneath the trees so you can sit, eat and enjoy the view.



When we arrived there, there was a classical performance by a group of people, probably students from a university. It was nice to stand there and listen to them. Best of all, it was FREE! Hahaha...



This is probably the most famous weeping sakura tree on the grounds. It was in full bloom and had a lovely shade of pink. I love the way the flowers-laden branches fall gently to the ground.



I like this photo the best of all the ones I took of Hirano Jinja. I had to play with the brightness and contrast button a bit cause the picture came out too bright (and I am still too lazy to read my camera manual). I like the bamboo trees in the background cause they looked like they were painted on.

Next Up: Probably Kyoto Botanical Gardens. TJ, I will try to take marco shots of the flowers. Weather these past few days was awful!