The Seasons of Yamato

It is no secret that Mount Yoshino is a famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms. Spring comes slowly there. Around the Fresh Green, various cherry trees start blossoming like a contest in the villages and on the mountain slopes. What did Emperor Go-Daigo, who built the Southern Court there, dream about while sleeping under those cherry trees?

At the Nara Basin, spring is in full bloom. Around the Yamato Sanzan (the 3 mountains of Yamato, Mt. Unebi, Mt. Miminashi and Mt. Kagu), Fujiwara-kyo, the ancient capital of Japan, once flourished. In this season, the old city ruins' protagonists are the cherry trees of Someiyoshino. They blossom here and there to color the air pink. What was the spring view like when Prince Naka no Oe watched this place? *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 4 (2022), Shunbun is from March 21 to April 5.

A carpet of canola flowers tells the Yamanobe-no-Michi Road that spring has come. The warm weather tempts tree frogs to come out and ladybugs to play with horsetails. Spring light fills up the field as if to compete with the yellow of the canola flowers. As the sun sets, the yellow of the flowers slowly grows darker until they become black silhouettes. But please do not worry about it. Tomorrow should be warmer than today! *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 4 (2022), Keichitsu is from March 5 to 21.

Nara Gokoku Shrine is also known as the "Camellia Shrine." Ten thousand camellia trees with flowers of various colors and shapes bloom now. Many petals of red, white and light pink float on the surface of the pond, next to the shrine. These tiny, warm-colored boats hardly ever sink, even when cold raindrops hit them. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 4 (2022), Usui is from February 19 to March 5.

There is the Fujioka Family Residence in Gojo City. This Japanese Registered Tangible Cultural Property gives us an idea of how the village headman and apothecary existed in the Edo period. It is also the house where the Haiku poet Gyokkotsu Fujioka was born. Its garden has a 250-year-old plum tree that blossoms in the cold weather and is very "old and strong." Despite freezing rain, the color of these flowers is tinged with spring. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 4 (2022), Risshun is from February 4 to 19.

During the Greater Cold, Tobihino whitens its mornings. The ground covered with frost seems like a vast carpet of ice. Although the plum trees have started to blossom in the precincts of the Kasugataisha Shrine, icicles form woods at the Chozudokoro (water pavilion for hand washing). The dripping water raises the ice columns, dissolves them, and reraises them. It is the coldest season of the year. But spring is right around the corner. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 4 (2022), Daikan is from January 20 to February 4.

Hannyaji Temple is known as "Kosumosudera (cosmos flower temple)." During wintertime, the main flowers are daffodils. They bloom as if they are competing around the stone statues of Buddhists, which were dedicated in appreciation for curing diseases. Are those flowers praising the virtues of the Buddha or showing off their beauty? The 13-story stone pagoda, which has stood there since the Kamakura period, is towering against the crisp blue winter sky. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 4 (2022), Shoukan is from January 5 to 20.

Andon-Yama Kofun Tumulus in Tenri City, where migratory birds gather, is the spot where the sun sets on the Winter Solstice. It is the season when the beginnings and ends of lives pass each other. Persimmons and mandarins ripen, foxtail grasses die, and bird's eye speedwell sprout to have lovely flowers. Death and rebirth are 2 sides of the same coin. A new year is ahead of us. What does the master of the tumulus think now? *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 and 4 (2021-22), Touji is from December 22, 2021, to January 5, 2022.

It is the Heavy Snow of the 24 Solar Terms. The morning service at Kohfukuji Temple begins while it's still pitch dark outside. As the sky grows lighter, its hue changes every second. Although it is both blue and red, how does a great writer describe such delicate colors at the break of dawn? At Tobihino, the deer that cannot wait for the morning have already started their day. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Taisetsu is from December 7 to 22.

It's early in winter at Oka-dera temple in Asuka Village. The three-storied pagoda, reconstructed in the Showa period, is now wrapped up in maple leaves. Bright sun rays clearly emphasize the redness of those leaves as the pagoda dims its vermilion color. And then, the sun goes down to dominate the sky as a gorgeous orange sunset. However, "Nothing is permanent." After sunset, when night fog covers the village, it's time for the moon. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Shousetsu is from November 22 to December 7.

Around the Beginning of Winter, it is deep autumn in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture. There are leaves of various colors and shapes that the morning frost edges. At the temple called Ryusen-ji, an immense number of autumn leaves fall on the water sprung from a dragon's mouth. After the maple leaves turn red and leave their mother's trunk, some sink to the bottom of the water to rest peacefully, and others float and set out on a long journey. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Rittou is from November 7 to 22.

Before daybreak at the Nara Palace Site, frost forms on the vast field where ears of Japanese silver grass have begun to stand out. The edge of the distant mountains begins to whiten, and the light shines suddenly. It's sunrise. The Suzaku-mon Gate's silhouette emerges in the sunlight. When the orange sun rises from behind the mountains and spreads into a round shape, the frost melts to become transparent beads, covering the wild chrysanthemums' petals. It's the beginning of a new day. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Soukou is from October 23 to November 7.

Gangoji is a temple of Nara City inscribed on the World Heritage list. Every autumn, countless flowers of Hagi (bush clovers) are in full bloom surrounding its main hall, a Japanese national treasure. They look like colored snowflakes dancing in the wind. And then it starts raining. Fat drops of dew on the tiny leaves glitter coldly. Wet stone Buddha statues seem to smile to bless the rain. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Kanro is from October 8 to 23.

In Asuka Village, around the time of the Autumnal Equinox. Thousands of Higanbana (Red spider lilies) bloom surrounding golden fields with ripe ears of rice. Red flowers cover up every pathway to make red carpets. What might glide over them, a red dragonfly or an autumn breeze? As the sun sets, the cluster of red clouds seems to absorb the color of Higanbana to change itself redder and darker. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Shuubun is from September 23 to October 8.

At dawn in the early autumn -- Uda City, Nara Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, is blanketed in the morning mist. When you look down from a high place, it is a "sea of clouds" literally. As the sun rises, the gray waves of clouds are dramatically dyed orange at first and end up in silky white. Shining drops of the dew on flowers and leaves seem to celebrate the beginning of a new day. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Hakuro is from September 7 to 23.

According to the calendar, it is already autumn. The scorching summer heatwaves are now going to end. In the rice fields of Asuka Village, rice plants are flowering, and the greenness of their leaves is dazzlingly bright. And tiny living things shine themselves also, such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, spiders and frogs. When the summer sky with columns of clouds is dyed orange, a cool breeze will blow from somewhere. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Shosho is from August 23 to September 7.

At the Beginning of Autumn (Risshuu), the hot and sunny days would continue for a while yet. It is a sunflower field in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, filled with gorgeous flowers under the scorching sun. We can see the signs of autumn inside of blooming sunflowers. A sudden shower passed. And in the panoramic view of Yamato Sanzan, the 3 mountains of Yamato, a rainbow appears. The sound is played on "Hyakunen (100-year-old) Piano" in the dining hall of Nara Hotel. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Risshuu is from August 7 to 23.

"Nara Tōkae Festival" is held in Nara Park every summer. The lens of Hozan captures the flickering candles that participants lit one by one. Mine Kawakami plays on the Steinway, which has spent a long time at Nara Hotel in the center of Nara Park. The time to think of someone close rolls by in the summer night. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Taisho is from July 22 to August 7.

Koichi Hozan filmed breathing lotus flowers in 4K high-definition videos at Manyou Botanical Garden of Kasugataisha Shrine. And Mine Kawakami plays on "Hyakunen (100-year-old) Piano," a 1922 Steinway that the Ministry of Railways of the time purchased to furnish Nara Hotel. Through the land of Yamato, the wind and water flow, and the light and sound reflect each other. Seasons go around with the brilliance of life. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Shousho is from July 7 to 22.

Hangesho (Asian lizard's tail) is in full bloom around the time of Hangesho, which begins 11 days after Geshi (Summer Solstice) as a division of the 72 pentads. The green leaves turn white like snow in summer. Okada Valley of Mitsue Village is one of the few places where Hangesho plants grow naturally. Embraced by the overlapping white leaves, many creatures such as snakes, lizards, frogs and damselflies enjoy their lives. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Geshi is from June 21 to July 7.

Chokyuji Temple in Ikoma City is famous for hydrangea. At the beginning of the rainy season, hydrangea fills the temple precincts with flowers of various shades such as red, white and blue. Raindrops fall on the flowers and the Buddhist statues. Moss covering those stone faces has a beautiful matte green color. What have the motionless devas thought for such a long, long time while the moss was growing over them? Instead, have they thought nothing? They show gentle expressions all along. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Boushu is from June 5 to 21.

They say Nara Prefecture is the southernmost original habitat of the lily-of-the-valley. When people finish the rice-planting, the flowers like pure white pearls start to blossom. The combination of the clear water drops and those white flowers makes a jewel of nature. It seemed as if a tree-flog was so mesmerized that it sat still. Meanwhile, the flowers of Kazaguruma (Clematis) spread their purple petals. Though they look like tiny pinwheel blades, they never spin in the wind. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Shouman is from May 21 to June 5.

Chogakuji Temple is known as the Flower Temple. Every year in early summer, Kakitsubata (water iris) plays the leading role. A thousand irises bloom in front of the main hall. In the blue-violet paradise that appeared on the water, a dragonfly stated, "I'm here." A stone Buddha statue looking down there might have smiled at it. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Rikka is from May 5 to 21.

"Sagari-Fuji (hanging down wisteria flowers)," the crest of Kasuga Taisha Shrine is related to the Fujiwara clan, the flowers of Fuji (wisteria) are peerless. At Kokuu, when vermillion shrine halls, fresh green leaves and the purple wisteria flowers overlap, people find themselves at a loss for words to describe the beautiful vivid play of colors. A fawn was looking at us in the sacred precincts. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 3 (2021), Kokuu is from April 20 to May 5.

Mount Yoshino, which was frequently visited by emperors in ancient times, is known as a famous cherry blossom spot. The cherry trees in Yoshino are mainly "mountain cherry trees," and each one has a different color and blooms at a different time, boasting its own individuality. Pale pink, white, red, and the green of the cherry leaves... The morning mist brings moisture, and in the sunlight, Mount Yoshino is now beginning to shine in a variety of colors. A symphony is being played to celebrate the brilliance of life... for all living things. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 7 (2025), Seimei is from April 4 to 20.

The surface of the Yoshino River sparkles, rippling as the wind blows across it. In the distance, a train can be seen slowly crossing the iron bridge. The evening light gradually takes on a reddish hue, and the sparkle on the water's surface deepens. The silhouette of the train passing by on the bridge stands out in the setting sun. I wonder what kind of people are on board that train... A fantastical, once-in-a-lifetime sight that seems likely to take you far away. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 7 (2025), Shunbun is from March 20 to April 4.

Shrine maiden's ceremonial dance at Kasugataisha Shrine. The double-flowered plum trees are deepening in crimson. The moss glows green as it absorbs water, and the spring breeze is blowing. As the days grow longer, the murmuring of the water heralds the arrival of spring.

Stone Buddha statues stand quietly in the garden of Hashimoto-in Temple. Amid the falling snow, spring flowers are beginning to bloom. Brilliant crimson camellias and adorable pale pink flowers look like cherry blossoms. Even in the cold, you can quietly feel the approach of spring.

Amid flurries of falling snow, yellow wintersweet flowers are blooming. The view overlooking the three mountains of Yamato still has a prevailing winter atmosphere. Light is shining down to the earth from between the clouds in the sky. Perhaps the light of spring has begun to fill the air above the snowy clouds? A message of light quietly announces the start of spring in Yamato. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 7 (2025), Risshun is from February 3 to 18.

The Ryusen-ji Temple in Tenkawa Village is known for its mountain ascetic practices. The pond, where ascetics purify themselves, is silent and still amidst the snow. Amid the monotone scenery, colorful streamers sway in the wind. It is the coldest season of the year. What "whispers" will you hear from the water that has turned into snow? *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 7 (2025), Daikan is from January 20 to February 5.

With the new year upon us, the clear light sparkles on the water's surface. The "Mizukami Pond" on the bank of the ancient tomb is a relaxing waterside spot where migratory birds gather. It's still cold, but the light is causing the daffodils to begin to bloom. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 7(2025), Shoukan is from January 5 to 20.

It's the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The rice terraces of the Asuka Village are surrounded by trees that still have their autumn colors. Fallen leaves float along in the Asuka River. The end of the year is just around the corner, and a new year is on its way. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 and 7 (2024-25), Touji is from December 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

Just before dawn, mist rises from the water's surface in the chilly air. This is the pond behind Todaiji Temple's Great Buddha Hall. The fallen autumn maple leaves, edged with white frost, look like works of art. As the sunlight reaches the pond, the frost disappears like an illusion. It's as if a spell has been broken. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Taisetsu is from December 7 to 21.

As autumn deepens and winter approaches, we visit the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. Colorful autumn maple leaves float on the water's surface. Falling leaves and clear light. Stone Buddhas make you feel the quiet flow of time. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Shousetsu is from November 22 to December 7.

Just before dawn. It is the magic hour when the sky changes color moment by moment. The edges of the clouds sparkle, revealing the clear, golden sunlight. Autumn, White Dew (Hakuro). Morning arrives with the land of Yamato covered in a sea of white clouds. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Hakuro is from September 7 to 22.

Before dawn, the sounds of autumn insects echo through the rice terraces of Hatenashi, Tenku no Sato "The Village in the Sky". Morning dew glistens on the tips of the rice leaves. The color of the sky changes moment by moment, and the morning sun makes its appearance. Morning dew clings to the drooping ears of rice, announcing the arrival of autumn. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Shosho is from August 22 to September 7.

Natsu-zuisen (Lycoris squamigera) sway gently in the breeze. The sound of distant thunder amid the chirps of cicadas is a sign that rain is coming. Amid the summer greenery, the rain-soaked Natsu-zuisen shine with a pale, ephemeral color. Can you sense the approaching signs of autumn in the heat? In Asuka Village.

A view of the Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple across the Oike Pond, and Mount Wakakusa in the distance. Summer clouds are rising one after another in the blue sky. At Mount Wakakusa, deer have gathered at the peak and are grazing beneath the summer clouds. A sweltering summer has arrived in the Yamato Basin. As dusk falls, the sounds of cicadas' echo, bringing a moment of coolness.

As thunder echoes through the forest and the rain gets heavier, "Golden-Rayed Lily" blooms quietly. Soon the sky clears and summer-like clouds appear. The silhouettes of the Yamato mountains stand out in the evening light. The real heat will soon be upon us.

Around the summer solstice, Japan enters the rainy season called "Tsuyu." Flowers of "Koajisai" (Hydrangea hirta), which often bloom in bright forests or near water, are ephemeral yet delicate. They give off a sweet, refreshing fragrance, which makes them even more appealing. A colony of hydrangea hirtas that you come across in Higashiyoshino Village, located in the central part of Nara Prefecture. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Geshi is from June 21 to July 6.

The sounds of frogs and birds chirping can be heard in the rice fields that have just been planted. A refreshing breeze blows, creating beautiful ripples on the water surface. A view that makes you feel the arrival of something invisible to the naked eye. Eventually, the light reflected on the water surface changes, and the color of the dusk sky will reflect on the water surface. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Boushu is from June 5 to 21.

A calm afternoon as summer approaches. Kakitsubata (Rabbit-ear Iris) flowers are blooming brightly along the water's edge. It is said that in the 5th century, "Iwanohime," the Empress of the Emperor, was buried here in "Hishage Ancient Tomb." A quiet time that has continued since ancient times passes, and a gentle breeze sways the water surface. The dragonfly is a messenger that transcends time. Before you know it, the area is enveloped in the light of sunset, and a crescent moon appears in the sky. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Shouman is from May 20 to June.

"Hatenashi" is a small village along the pilgrimage route of the World Heritage Site "Kumano Kodo." As the name suggests, it is Tenku no Sato "The Village in the Sky, " surrounded by mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. Rice seedlings were planted in the flooded fields. Rainwater falling from the sky curls, splashes and dances on the surface of the rice fields. Eventually, mist rises from the green mountainside, and the rain that falls on the ground returns to the sky. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Rikka is from May 5 to May 20.

"Nara no Yaezakura (Double cherry-blossoms)," Nara Prefectural flower. Chisoku-in Temple, the precincts of Todaiji Temple (Nara City). [Chisoku-in Nara no Yaezakura, National Natural Monument] Double cherry-blossoms with white petals and a faint tinge of red are blooming in the rain, which glistens with the fresh greenery. Nara no Yaezakura is said to be the last cherry blossom to bloom. They are very delicate and delightful amidst the bright greenery. *According to the 24 Solar Terms of Reiwa 6 (2024), Kokuu is from April 19 to May 5.