Sakura season is almost on us, but the plum blossoms are already here. Last weekend a friend and I went to Yushima Temple, near Okachimachi Station and Ueno, to see the blooming plum trees. When we arrived, I also noticed those walls where one hangs little wood placards with wishes for the gods to fulfill was almost overflowing. My friend told me that not only is Yushima temple famous for plum blossoms, it’s the temple of a “Study God.” We read some of the placards, and it looked like grateful students were thanking the god for their successful school admissions.

My finals for the last term are already done, but I’ll have to pay a visit to Yushima next term…