Hydrangeas in Rain

Last month during the rainy season, my husband, my parents and I visited Mimuroto temple in Uji, Kyoto to see the hydrangeas. Since my dad wanted to take photos of hydrangeas in the morning rain, my husband and I had to leave our house quite early.

The temple is famous for its 10,000 hydrangeas, so I had been looking forward to seeing them. When we entered the temple, we saw a sign that said there were also 20,000 azalea. So, I'd love to visit again next May when its flowers will be in bloom.

While holding an umbrella, it was a bit difficult to take good photos, but I tried my best.

I have this white hydrangea called Annabelle in my yard, but mine is still short and small. The much bigger ones looked so gorgeous.

It was our fist time to see such red hydrangea, so my dad and I enjoyed taking its photos.

We were also curious about the purple one and the ivory ones. I thought lots of analogous colors on the purple one made it look prettier.

There was a long path lined with hydrangeas on both sides.

We also thought this variety in the picture below was quite unique.

We spotted the azalea field over there. I'm sure they look spectacular in May.

When we went to the main hall of the temple, there was a lotus pound.

When you visit Japanese temples, you often see animal statues. The picture below shows a cow and it's said when you touch a ball inside of the cow's mouth, you’ll be blessed with victory.

The next statue is a god called Ugajin in Japanese, who has an old man's face with a snake body. It's said when you touch its ear, you'll receive good future. When you touch its beard, you’ll become healthier and live longer. When you touch its tail, you’ll be blessed with financial luck. Since many Japanese people are superstitious in this situation, including me, it's hard to ignore.