Ume (Japanese apricot) flowers: Engaku-ji

In front of the entrance to the Zen meditation hall, white Ume flowers are shining quietly in the serene sunlight of early spring.

The sacred image of Bhaisajyaguru (buddha able to cure all ills) enshrined in this hall is staring at every living thing which gradually comes to life again with the arrival of this beautiful season.

Ume (Japanese apricot) flowers: Engaku-ji

Robai (Chimonanthus praecox) flowers: Tokei-ji

Flower buds of Haku-mokuren (Magnolia heptapeta) : Engaku-ji

Ume (Japanese apricot) flowers: Engaku-ji

Fukujyu-so (Adonis ramosa) flowers: Engaku-ji

Mansaku (Hamamelis japonica) flowers: Engaku-ji

Mt. Fuji: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

The cold and dryness of midwinter decrease moisture in the air and the diminishing of scattered sunlight brings the serene and clear seascape of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji.

Far beyond the gently waving sea, Mt. Fuji crowned with snow soars into the steel-blue sky dignifiedly.

On this side of the sacred mountain, the deep green silhouette of Enoshima Island is clearly sighted and the magenta flowers of winter camellia are quietly blooming to add warm color to this exquisite scenery.

Mt. Fuji: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

In Japan, from the distant past, Mt. Fuji has been devoutly worshiped as the noble manifestation of Konohananosakuya-hime (cherry tree blossom blooming princess) who is a volcano goddess described in Japanese mythology.

Since ancient times, the figure of this magnificent stratovolcano has ever been inspiring the deepest feelings of awe and respect in those who see it.

This sacred volcano has been inactive since the early eighteenth century and has also been regarded as the holiest mountain for the ascetic practices of Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism-shamanism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts).

Mt. Fuji: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

Sagami Bay: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

Sagami Bay: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

Enoshima Island: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

Sparkling Waves: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

Winter Clouds: Yuigahama-beach

Setting Sun: Inamuragasaki Cape (Kamakura)

Setting Sun: Yuigahama-beach

The sun is about to sink behind the cape in the west and its slanting rays are coloring a pile of fleecy clouds across the sky with deep crimson of fire.

The reflection of evening glow is gently rippling on the calm sea-surface and is continuously changing its sparkles to adorn the seascape of sunset still more.

The drifting clouds arise and vanish every moment according to the unsteady flow of winds. The sea keeps undulating ceaselessly and reflecting the radiant glow in the sky which passes into nothingness soon.

Sunset: Yuigahama-beach

All things must pass away and so these fascinating colors and tones of the sunset glow must disappear before long.

Through the breaks in the thick clouds, the golden rays of the sun are softly illuminating the calm surface of the sea like the tender light of compassion arriving from somewhere high in the sky.

Shortly the shady twilight will dominate here and quiet down the blaze of colors which is spreading as far as the horizon.

Sunset: Yuigahama-beach

Before disappearing below the horizon, the setting sun is quietly emitting its last flickering flame into the air.

In the sky into which the scattered light is diffusing, the gray cumulus clouds are being carried away by the chill wind, changing their shapes constantly.

People standing at the water's edge are gazing steadfastly after the sun which is vanishing far across the sea.

The nightfall is closing in fleetly.

Evening Sky: Yuigahama-beach

Setting Sun: Yuigahama-beach

Evening Glow: Yuigahama-beach

Sunset: Yuigahama-beach

Setting Sun: Yuigahama-beach

Sunset: Yuigahama-beach