Japanese white-eye bird and ume (Japanese apricot) blossoms: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu (Kamakura)

Early in February, before any flower, the noble blossoms of ume start blooming to foretell the arrival of spring.

The pleasant fragrance of spring begins to drift softly in the chilly scentless air of late winter.

Birds wait eagerly for this early flowering season to enjoy the nectar of life ecstatically.

White ume blossoms: Engaku-ji

Carps in a soft rain: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu (Kamakura)

Spring is gradually approaching.

Carps feel a subtle rise in temperature acutely and come up to the surface.

A thin sprinkle of rain is gently falling to create countless round ripples on the smooth water of the pond.

Red ume blossoms: Engaku-ji

Fukujyu-so (Adonis amurensis) flowers: Kaizo-ji

Red ume blossoms: Kaizo-ji

Stump: Kencho-ji

White clouds: Yuigahama-beach (Kamakura)

Red Ume blossoms: Engaku-ji

White Ume blossoms: Engaku-ji

Shadows on the frozen pond: Engaku-ji

In the morning chill, the trees cast their intertwined shadows on the thin ice which covers the quiet surface of the pond.

The steel-blue sunlight of winter shines through the branches and reveals the essence of this cold season on the frozen water.

Decaying leaves: Engaku-ji

On the chilly ground, the magenta fallen leaves are decaying gradually into dust.

In a little while when spring arrives, this whole area becomes a sea of fresh green plants.

A moss-covered stone stands still here in the swift passage of time.

Ripples on the pond: Engaku-ji

The gentle winter breeze silently rippled the surface of the pond to cast a momentary pattern of reflection on it.

Wintry trees: Engaku-ji

Under the gray winter sky, a web of twigs is at deep rest.

Soon tree buds will come out unnoticeably to prepare for the coming of spring.

Small waves: Kaizo-ji

The sapphire blue of the cold sky is mirrored on the ceaselessly undulating surface of the small pond.

A black kite wheels in the air: Yuigahama-beach (Kamakura)

The winter sun gleams above the drifting white clouds.

A black kite is slowly wheeling high in the pale blue sky.

A view of Mt.Fuji from Chojyagasaki cape (Hayama)

Thanks to the transparent cold air, the magnificent form of Mt. Fuji clearly appeared above the calm winter sea.

Winter camellia: Kencho-ji

Wood siding-wall: Kencho-ji

Red Ume blossoms: Kencho-ji

Stone surface: Kencho-ji