The clear sunbeam of autumn was penetrating the maple leaves and creating an unexpected and brilliant composition of vivid greens above "Myo-kou-ike" (a pond of sweet fragrance) of the garden.
September 23, 2009
Maple leaves in Engaku-ji temple
The clear sunbeam of autumn was penetrating the maple leaves and creating an unexpected and brilliant composition of vivid greens above "Myo-kou-ike" (a pond of sweet fragrance) of the garden.
Higan-bana (Lycoris radiata) flowers in Engaku-ji temple
Under the bright sky of early autumn, these red "Higan-bana" flowers seemed to be the frozen incarnation of fiery fire.
Lespedeza flowers in Chojyu-ji temple
Along a narrow hill-load to "Kame-ga-yatsu" (which means "a valley of frightened turtles") a cascade of bloomy Bush-clover flowers sparkled in the afternoon sunlight.
Higan-bana (Lycoris radiata) flower in Chojyu-ji temple
Every flower knows a place appropriate for its finest flowering.
September 20, 2009
September 15, 2009
A Higan-bana (Lycoris radiata) flower in Engaku-ji temple
"Higan-bana" means a flower which blooms in the equinoctial week ("Higan" in Japanese) of autumn. In this Higan week, Japanese people customarily visit the graves of their ancestors in temples to conduct Buddhist memorial services. This plant is also called "Manjyu shage," which originates from Buddhist doctrine and means "a flower of heaven."
A Higan-bana flower is the typical and characteristic flower of autumn in the Zen gardens of Kita-kamakura and its vivid and graceful appearance declares the definite beginning of autumn.
September 9, 2009
Lespedeza flowers in Chojyu-ji temple
In Kamakura, Lespedeza (bush clover) flowers symbolize the arrival of autumn. The cascades of these small flowers quietly herald the entrance of the most beautiful season of Japan.
Hana-toranoo flowers in Jyochi-ji temple
In the quiet garden of Jyouchi-ji temple, I saw a bunch of full-blown "Hana-tora-no-o " (tiger-tail flowers) shining lively under the clear afternoon sunlight. The miniature five-storied pagoda of this garden added elegant beauty to this quiet and brilliant scene.
September 6, 2009
A bee on a "Fuyo" flower in Engaku-ji temple
This pollen-covered bee was ecstatically moving around to collect the nectar of the Fuyo (Hibiscus mutabilis) flower as if she were intoxicated with the aroma of its sweet nectar. Although autumn has just come, insects begin to prepare for long and harsh wintertime.
September 4, 2009
A white bell-flower in Tokei-ji temple
Although the flowering season of bell-flowers is almost over, I found one white bell-flower remaining in the garden of Toukei-ji temple. This small white flower seemed to silently regret the demise of brillant sunlight of summertime.
A sacred lotus flower in Engaku-ji temple
Because autumn is coming in Kamakura, this beautiful late-blooming flower of Buddha seemed to be a wonderful and surprising gift given upon departure of summer. I encountered this flower in the garden of Ryu-in-an (which means "the hut where a dragon hides") of Engaku-ji.
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