When the ajisai (hydrangea) are blooming, you know it’s the rainy season. First it’s ume (plum) blossoms in March, then sakura (cherry) blossoms in April, then tsutsuji (azaleas) in May, and now ajisai in June. Next it’s summer.
These ajisai were found on a suitably rainy at Hakusan-jinja in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.
Hakusan-jinja is a small shrine tucked away in the back streets from Hakusan subway station on the Mita Line. It’s well known for its hydrangeas, and a steady flow of visitors armed with their umbrellas and zoom lenses passed through the gardens around the shrine.
Once ajisai cravings were satisfied, the next stop for the afternoon was Rikugien, one of Tokyo’s fine gardens.
Rikugien was established in the Edo Period. It’s near Komagome station, behind a 2.5 metre high red-brick wall. From the outside, it’s hard to know what’s inside. Once there, it’s a tranquil refuge from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life, although the modern buildings looking in over the perimeter are always there to remind visitors that they have to return to the world outside.
This last photo is a panorama, so click on it for full size.
