Chimonanthus praecox or Wintersweet or robai in Japanese. This photo was taken in Hasedera in Kamakura.
Chimon is Greek and means winter and anthos flower. Praecox means early in Latin, so the botanical name tells us flowers open in early winter. Japanese name Robai is literally beeswax plum referring to the color of the flowers and the early blooming period. Perfumes are made out of the flowers.
Robai can be seen right now in bloom at Engakuji, Tokeiji, Jochiji, Meigetsu-in, Chojuji, Zuisenji, Kosokuji at Hase and Juniso in Kamakura.
NATURE IN JAPAN 