June
Embrace the rainy season with beautiful hydrangeas!
June marks the start of the rainy season (tsuyu) in Japan, bringing frequent showers and higher humidity. However, this is also when hydrangeas bloom beautifully, especially in temples and gardens, creating a dreamy landscape. While the damp weather can be challenging, there’s a certain charm in enjoying a quiet, rainy day.
Embrace the rainy season with beautiful hydrangeas!
Japan and Amegai (Rain Prayers)
Rain rituals for drought relief! 🌧️ In ancient times, when droughts threatened crops, Japanese communities performed amegai (rain-calling ceremonies). These varied by region, involving shrine prayers, carrying portable shrines into rivers, or invoking dragon deities. These rituals reflect Japan’s deep connection to nature and agriculture.
Japan and Hydrangeas
The beauty of hydrangeas in the rain! 🌸 Ajisai (hydrangeas) are one of the iconic sights of the rainy season, their delicate colors deepening with the moisture. Famous viewing spots include temples in Kamakura, Hasedera, and Mimuroto-ji in Kyoto, where the flowers create breathtaking landscapes amid the misty rain.
Japan and Plums
Plum season begins in early summer! 🌿 June is the time for harvesting ume (Japanese plums). These fruits are traditionally pickled to make umeboshi (salted plums) or brewed into umeshu (plum wine). The plum tree symbolizes resilience and good fortune, thriving even in harsh conditions.
Japan and Umeboshi (Salted Plums)
A classic Japanese superfood! 🍙 Umeboshi are pickled and dried Japanese plums known for their intense sour and salty flavor. They are commonly used in rice balls (onigiri) or eaten with rice. Packed with health benefits like fatigue recovery and appetite stimulation, they’re especially popular as a summer remedy.
