Flower Viewing Even After Cherry Blossom Season

Tokyo’s cherry blossoms were around for a long time this year, weren’t they?

As we were still able to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night on Sunday, April 5, last week, we were able to savor “cherry blossom season” for nearly two weeks.

The night cherry blossoms we enjoyed just four or five days ago

Today, the 11th—less than a week later—the peonies are in magnificent bloom.

In Shimo-Ochiai, there is a temple called Yakuo-in, affectionately known as the Peony Temple, and admiring its peonies has become a seasonal tradition for us.

I cycled over during my lunch break, and although I was only there for a short time, I was able to enjoy them again this year.

Along with the peonies, the temple grounds are home to splendid late-blooming cherry trees and charming Japanese irises, among other flowers that delight the eye.

Yakuo-in’s specialty: a flower water basin filled with peonies

Magnificent peonies bloom throughout the temple grounds

Japanese irises, which look somewhat striking up close

On the way back, my favorite Lady Banks’ roses, as well as azaleas and dogwoods, were in bloom, making it clear that the season has definitely moved on.

Lady Banks’ roses, best enjoyed with their fragrance

Still, smartphone cameras these days are amazing.

When you take a photo of a flower, they can even tell you its name.

I think admiring flowers is going to become even more enjoyable from now on.