Hanatouro means "flower light path" and one of the features of the two Hanatouro (Higashiyama and Arashiyama) are the Ikebana (traditional Japanese flower arrangements) along the course. This photo was taken in Maruyama-koen (Maruyama park). There were a number of flower arrangements at various spots in the park. This one in particular was near the giant weeping Sakura (cherry blossom) tree. Unfortunately it was too early in the year for the tree to be in bloom. See a photo I took of the tree when it was in bloom.

This photo is from my 5th visit to a Higashiyama Hanatouro which I began in Maruyama-koen. It was the first time I ventured North of Yasaka-jinja (Yasaka shrine) during a visit to a Higashiyama Hanatouro. Although I had been to this park and some of the other sites to the North of Yasaka-jinja at other times of the year. This was only the 2nd visit to a Higashiyama Hanatouro that I didn't go alone. My wife and my friend Dave accompanied me for this one.

Maruyama Park is worth seeing anytime of the year, however the extra special times are either during Higashiyama Hanatouro or during the cherry blossom season. It just to the north of Yasaka-jinja. The nearest train stations are either Keihan's Gion-Shijo station or Hankyu's Kawaramachi station.