The annual "Looking Back Cherry Blossom" illumination is taking place at the eastern embankment of Hachijo-ga-ike Pond in Tenjin 2-chome, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot. The beautiful yet ephemeral blossoms stand out against the twilight, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, located near the pond, is also known as "Looking Back Tenjin" (Looking Back Tenjin) due to a legend that the enshrined deity, Sugawara no Michizane, looked back at the capital and lamented his departure before being exiled to Dazaifu. The city's tourism association, which organizes the illumination, named the surrounding cherry blossoms "Looking Back Cherry Blossoms," hoping to convey the wish that they possess a beauty that makes one want to look back and see them again.
Approximately 30 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino varieties, are planted along the eastern embankment, and they began blooming in late March. In some places, the branches extend towards the pond, creating tunnel-like formations. Visitors stopped to admire the blossoms and take photographs. Some even spread out picnic lunches to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms.
The illumination is from 6 PM to 9 PM. The end date will be determined based on the condition of the blossoms.
From April 3rd to 5th, the bridge over the pond will also be open, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms reflected on the water at night. Sweet red bean soup, amazake (sweet rice wine), bamboo shoot rice, and tsukudani (simmered seafood and vegetables) will also be sold in the area around the island in the middle of the pond.
