Plum blossoms are out at Hakusan Shrine!

Winters in Niigata sometimes feel like they just go on (and on...and on...) so when you see little signs of spring they are something to get very excited about! The plum blossoms at Hakusan Shrine in Niigata City are starting to bloom, and I think I honestly get more excited about them than I do about cherry blossoms.

I just love that vivid pinky-red! Such a pretty pop of color, especially when my local area has been blanketed with snow for the last couple of months.