White Egret in the sea of Sakura

The severity of winter doesn’t affect the blooming time of Sakura (Cherry blossoms).  

The buds of Sakura get into sleep in summer right after birth, get awake 

by the chill air of winter and wait for warm air over 15 degrees C to open.  

This season, too early visit of winter and the sudden warming up from the bitter cold

 followed by the unseasonable warm days made Sakura bloom much earlier than usual.

When Somei-yoshino, the most widely planted flowering cherry trees in Japan, were in full bloom,

I enjoyed "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing) stroll at Himeji Castle, aka White Egret Castle.

The Castle looked like floating over the pink clouds like a white egret with spreading wings.

National Treasure, UNESCO World Heritage site
Current structure from the 17th century

Sangoku-bori Moat

 Himeji Castle is a massively but gracefully fortified castle which was never attacked. 

From the Hishi Gate to the main keep, the labyrinth-like approach leads through multiple gates, 

walled paths, and baileys, with the purpose to slow down and expose attacking forces. 

At the heart of the complex stands the main keep, a six story wooden structure plastered white. 

It is one of only a handful of castle keeps in Japan featuring wing buildings, 
adding both beauty and complexity to its appearance.

Looking up the main Keep from the Hon-maru Bailey (1^st Bailey)

The view from the Nishino-maru Garden

Kesho-yagura Tower and a part of Long Connecting Corridor

Soft breeze stirs pale-pink snow of petals from the branches.

Sakura has the most beautiful way of saying farewell.

The northern part surrounding the castle is covered with virgin forests

and people are sparse in the quieter atmosphere unlike the southern side with the Otemon gate.

Camellias and Sakura

Sakura with the backdrop of Camellia

Himeji Shrine

A moat runs into the neighboring zoo on the eastern grounds.

The view of the main keep seen from one place of the zoo

"Hanami" boat on the outer moat

Somei-yoshino Sakura was too fleeting this year due to the consecutive sunny and warm days.
In my neighborhood, the blossoms are almost over and the fresh leaves have appeared.
Somei-yoshino Sakura front is going north, dying Japanese archipelago pink.

More about Himeji Castle; A White Egret standing in the Himeji plain.

Linked to Weekend Reflections
Mosaic Monday