Weeping Cherry Tree at Shōgo-in Monzeki

　Shugendō is a uniquely Japanese religious tradition that blends indigenous mountain worship with Esoteric Buddhism and Shinto. Shōgoin is the head temple of this tradition. As the name ‘Monzeki’  suggests, it is a temple of high standing where members of the imperial family and the court nobility have served as head priests; indeed, it is one of only thirteen ‘Miyamonzeki’ temples. The term ‘Miyamonzeki’ refers to temples that welcomed as their head priests either ‘Hōshinnō’—princes who were granted the title of prince after taking monastic vows—or ‘Nyūdōshinnō’—princes who took monastic vows after being granted the title of prince. It also served as a temporary residence for the Emperor when the Imperial Palace was destroyed by fire. During the Gion Festival, a fire ritual (goma) is performed here to pray for the safety of the festival’s float procession.

　Beside the temple gate stands a weeping cherry tree with branches so long they almost touch the ground, and it is currently in full bloom. I sometimes pass by on an evening stroll, and the weeping cherry tree illuminated by the streetlights is truly magnificent.