すがも朝顔まつり Sugamo Asagao Festival

"Asagao" (morning glory) pots are sold in the vicinity of Togenuki-Jizo.

下谷坂本の富士塚Another Fujizuka

Today is the opening day of Mt. Fuji but from Fujinomiya, we cannot climb to the top because of remaining snow.  I cannot climb real Mt. Fuji but went to another "Fuji-zuka" today.  Fujizuka of Shitaya-Sakamoto (one of an important tangible folk cultural asset of Japan) is located in the premises of Onoterusaki Shrine.  We are allowed to climb this Fujizuka only two days a year, on June 30 and July 1.  It is only about 5 meters tall but it was harder than I had thought to climb to the top and go down.  Trails were narrow, muddy and very slippery.

駒込富士神社と十条冨士神社(十条冨士塚) Two "Fuji Shrine"

There are some "Fuji Shrine" or "Fuji-zuka" in Tokyo.  Simulating Mt Fuji, people in Edo period enshrined small mounds in hopes of receiving sacred power.  It is said that the opening day of Mt. Fuji, which is July 1 every year, many people who could not afford a trip to the mountain would visit the shrine for worship.  Today, the annual festival is held on June 30 and July 1 at "Fuji Shrine" in various places.  I visited Komagome Fuji Shrine and Jujo Fuji Shrine.  Above photo was taken at Jujo Fuji Shrine.

真性寺・江戸六地蔵尊の百万遍大念珠供養 The Special Memorial Service

A special memorial service was held at Shinshou-ji Temple today. People passed the big and long beads chanting a prayer to the Buddha.

愛宕神社千日詣り "Sen-nichi Mairi" to Atago Shrine

I visited Atago Shrine.  "Sen-nichi Mairi" (the festival of 1,000 days' visit) is held on the 23rd and 24th of June. It is believed that those worshipping on this day will receive benefits for 1,000 days.  "Hozuki" (Chinese lantern plants) are sold in this festival.

水芭蕉湿原 Mizubasho Marsh

I went on an overnight trip to Tsugaike Highlands.  I was impressed by a lot of "Mizubasho" (Asian skunk-cabbage) at Tsugaike Nature Park.  I happned to find two frogs near Mizubasho.  They seemed to be friendly.

飛鳥の小径 Path of Asuka

"Path of Asuka" is located on the east side of Asukayama park, along the JR tracks.  Various kinds of hydrangeas are at their best now.  Many people come and go along this path, enjoying colorful hydrangeas.  I went there just after the rain stopped.  Hydrangeas were reflected in a puddle.

六義園のアジサイ Hydrangeas in Rikugien Garden

I went to Hakusan Shrine and Rikugien Garden to see hydrangeas.  The shrine was very crowded with people because Hydrangea Festival is now held there.  Meanwhile, there were few visitors in Rikugien Garden.  I enjoyed the calm atmosphere.

白山神社にて at Hakusan Shrine

I went to Hakusan Shrine to take pictures of hydrangeas.  But my today's best shot is this;

白露もこぼさぬ萩のうねりかな(松尾芭蕉)

"Shiratuyu-mo kobosanu hagi no uneri kana" (Basho)
It is said that this haiku monument was set up at Shinshouji Temple in Sugamo in 1793, the 100th anniversary of the death of Basho.