famous poetic place; utamakura
A place name that appears frequently in classical waka poetry, often carrying established poetic associations (e.g., 吉野 for cherry blossoms, 竜田川 for autumn leaves).
Yoshino is well known as an utamakura associated with cherry blossoms.
poetic epithet; conventional poetic phrase
A set phrase or descriptive epithet used repeatedly in classical poetry, often linked to a specific place or thing (e.g., あしひきの for 山, ちはやぶる for 神).
Ashihikino is an utamakura that modifies 'mountain'.
Compound of 歌 (uta, 'poem') and 枕 (makura, 'pillow'), possibly from the idea of a 'pillow' of words or a foundation for poetic composition. The exact origin is uncertain.