During a visit to Yamanashi in April, I had the chance to explore Kanazakura Shrine, one of the region's oldest Shinto shrines, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Because of its higher altitude, the cherry blossoms here bloom a bit later than usual, around mid to late April. When I arrived, the entire area was adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, making the cool mountain air even more refreshing.

The shrine itself is nestled on Mount Kinpu, surrounded by ancient cedar trees that line a majestic staircase leading up to the main sanctuary. Although visitors aren't allowed to enter the main shrine, you can still catch a glimpse of the intricate dragon sculptures clutching crystal balls, which add to the shrine’s mystical atmosphere. One of the highlights for me was seeing the Kanazakura tree with its golden blossoms, which typically bloom in late April to early May. Legend has it that this tree was planted by the legendary warrior prince Yamato Takeru.

Kanazakura Shrine is not just a beautiful spot for cherry blossoms but also a significant cultural site, especially for New Year's Eve rituals.