Yoshinoyama Collection, Sakura Guide, Screen Folios and Screens

Sakura, Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Nara Prefecture
A collection.

Introduction

The blooming of the Sakura trees is an important event in Japan. The beauty of the cherry blossoms, in all their varieties, is a magical experience. Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino), a place of worship since the 10th century, is famous for the thousands of Sakura trees planted on its slopes. In 1714, a traveler wrote that one encountered trees planted at three levels while climbing to the shrine at the top. In 2004, Yoshinoyama was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cherry blossoms on Yoshinoyama have secured a place in peoples’ hearts and lives for centuries.

In April 2010, a weather anomaly held back the bloom in the lower area (Shimo Senbon) to fully bloom with the trees on at the middle level (Naka Senbon). At the same time the trees at the upper Level (Kami Senbon) were beginning their bloom. This was the first time in 75 years that such a remarkable event had occurred. The effect was breathtaking beauty.

This simultaneous bloom is presented here in the tradition of Japanese folding screens. The photographs unfold as if walking up the mountain while experiencing the full glory of three levels of Sakura blooms.