Chiyo Pond, Meguro

Cherry blossoms have a special place in Japan's arts and culture. The sites Hiroshige highlighted in these prints are known for the blossoms that have captivated local spectators and travelers alike for centuries. Cherry blossoms depicted in art have many meanings. While blossoms in full bloom are a metaphor for success and joy, their life cycle also symbolizes an ever-changing body and mind.

Ono no Komachi (825-900 C.E.) expressed this idea in her poem below:

The color of [cherry blossoms/young woman (the poet herself)]

has faded away indeed

in vain

have I passed through the world,

while gazing at the the long rains fall

- Adopted translation by Dr. Joshua Mostow