Cherry blossoms bloom in front of Sakamoto Hiyoshi Shrine — a delicate pink carpet of fallen petals

Photos and text byRight Upper 45 Degrees

I mean, when you're on a self-guided trip, do people usually sleep on the bus? Try not to doze off on the right side — you might miss a sudden burst of scenic beauty. This hidden paradise was discovered by chance while traveling from BiSuiJiaoLeJiao.

This cherry blossom path is marked within the green area shown on Google Maps. If you're coming via the Keihan Railway, exit at Sakamoto Station, turn left, and you'll arrive in five minutes.


Crossing the ridge through the forest trail, you'll descend back into the residential area. Before reaching the train station near the grove, you might suddenly spot a section of road dotted with charming blossoms, where the wind sends petals fluttering down one after another. It’s quite poetic, because the season has already passed its peak, yet here they are — as if nature had intentionally scattered them for your brief but brilliant encounter. You can’t help but pause your steps, take out your camera, and capture this unique corner of the world that most people overlook.

Sakamoto Hiyoshi Shrine is a famous spot for autumn leaves, but since we arrived late, we didn’t plan to go inside. The large white torii gate on the main road signals that you’ve entered a sacred space.




There aren’t many cars or tourists on this road — just locals out for a stroll or walking their dogs.




In addition to Hiyoshi Shrine, there are many small temples lining the path, and monks can often be spotted.




I’m not very familiar with the types of cherry blossoms, but there are at least two varieties, all pink. Some are weeping cherries, gracefully scattered about.




This pink floral carpet is Right Upper’s favorite~


Next to it, the BiSui Street Shopping District is also quite nice. This remains one of my favorite routes — walking side-by-side with the city, sometimes exploring different neighborhoods each day, seeing how they differ. (Groan)

▲ A couple who appear to be visitors from elsewhere in Japan also seem happily enjoying this short but colorful path.




▲ If you’re taking the bus, get off at this stop.




Part of the BiSui Shopping District Youth Center, it's also a hub for community events. It's a relatively quiet spot, often used for reading and studying.



▲ Here’s another temple: Ryuen, with an entrance gate that’s very eye-catching.





Walk away from this beautiful place along a historic stone wall.


Cherry blossom petals scattered on ordinary concrete ground suddenly feel poetic (lol).


The building of Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Railway is modern, and there’s even a bright pink cherry blossom tree blooming beautifully right at the entrance.


Location:In front of Sakamoto Hiyoshi Shrine, 5-chome, Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.
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