25 Apr 2010 - Rhododendron Festival(つつじ祭り) at Shiofune Kannon Temple(塩船観音寺).
Shiofune Kanon Temple is an ancient temple with a history that dates back to A.D.645～650. It is famous as the temple of flowers, as it holds 17000 Rhododendron trees.
Website(in Japanese): http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~kannonji/index.htm
I could not find any updates from the internet regarding the condition of the flowers there. Just trying my luck, and hoping that the flowers are all blooming, I cycled 40mins to the temple. I was kinda disappointed with what I saw. 25 Apr was still early; there were hardly any flowers.
Not many flowers
Views of the Temple
Japanese Incense
Colorful Banner
Locked building
Torii Gates
Hand Washing Basin, where you perform the Temizu
According to Wiki, these are the steps to visiting a shrine in Japan:
- Approach the entrance and bow respectfully before entering.
- If there is a hand washing basin provided, perform Temizu; wash your left hand first, then your right, then rinse your mouth, (do not spit back into the water supply or drink), and sometimes your feet as well if needed. Tip the ladle backwards to wash the ladle handle with the remaining water and place opening down on the rack where you found it.
- Approach the shrine; if there is a bell, you may ring the bell prior to prayers; if there is a box for donations, leave a modest one in relation to your means; normally there will be a sequence of bows, (commonly 2) and then claps (commonly 2), hold the second and put your hands together in front of your heart for a closing bow after your prayers.
- There is variation in how this basic visitation may go, and depending on the time of year and holidays there may also be other rituals attached to visitations.
- Be sincere and respectful to the staff and other visitors, and if at all possible, be quiet. Do be aware that there are places one should not go on the shrine grounds. Do not wear shoes inside any buildings.
Giant Kannon(or Guanyin) Statue
Far
Close. She is saying "OK!"
I went there mainly for the flowers. Although not many, here are some shots of the flowers.
Close-ups and Macros
Purple and Red Rhododendron
Other misc shots
Stop Stepping on the Same Spot!
Leaves showered with Lights of Sunset
Full Set @ Flickr
