Constitution Memorial Day

Today marks the start of a three days holiday in Japan, which is given a special name - Golden Week. So called because many japanese take advantage of these three days to take the whole week off and go sightseeing, either domestically or internationally (¥ value is high, therefore Japs can go anywhere they want!). I didn't go 'internationally' just domestically and even so, just behind my house! The Philosophy Path is situated right behind my house (refer to previous post) and today was again a sunny spring day and so I walked along the whole stretch of the path. Along with everyone else! Even though the sakuras are all gone, this path is still very popular with the tourists.

FIRST TOPIC : JAPANESE DECORATIONS



These were displayed outside a Japanese decoration shop. It is made out of colourful strings / threads/ yarn and woven into a ball, tied to a string and you can hang in anywhere you want. Some have their own individual stands so that you can place it on the tables, shelves etc.



As you can see in this picture, small tiny paper dolls are placed inside the ball



Many colourful decoration balls placed outside on the wooden table. The afternoon sun casting pretty shadows onto the table surface



Flying in the wind



Japanese paper windmills

SECOND TOPIC : HONEN-IN TEMPLE



The minute you stepped into the temple grounds, you will see two sand mounds in front of you. On its' surface are patterns drawn with bamboo rakes. Entrance is free. This temple is situated nearby the more famous Ginkakuji but is more secluded. It has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and a small pond with kois swimming. Honen-in was established to honour Honen, founder of the Jodo school.



Spring water flowing out from a stone bowl. Very ingenious usage of a leaf.



Now is the time for wisterias to bloom. This tree was partially hidden from sight as you walked towards the small stone bridge and then suddenly you see it. A wonderful surprise.



I liked the look of this fern leaf with the sun shining directly on it.



Can you spot the ant?

THIRD TOPIC : YOJIYA SHOP



Yojiya a famous kyoto cosmetic shop, well known for it's oil blotting facial tissues. One of it's branches is situated along the Philosophy Path and they had these huge red umbrellas to give their customers shade in their garden. There is also a small cafe selling sweets, tea and ice creams.

FOURTH TOPIC : PALM FLOWERS



The palm trees found along the philosophy path are also blooming.