(Leaf 42) – Reflection
%20a.jpg)
Nezu-jinja is a Shintō
shrine about a mile or so when walking from Shinobazu Pond in nearby Ueno. It
is one of the oldest and most picturesque shrines in Tokyo, famous for its many
torii gates and azalea bushes. These are all carefully sculpted in a landscaped
slope overlooking the shrine precinct and its ponds. From April-May is the Tsutsuji
Matsuri, or Azalea Festival, when the white, pink and purple bushes are all in
full bloom and the shrine attracts many visitors who come to admire the flowers,
and peruse the antique seller’s stalls, or enjoy the usual assortment of snacks
which are always on sale during such shrine festivals. It’s become a regular
part of our year, but it can get very crowded, especially at the weekends.
Annual springtime pilgrimage
to Nezu-jinja
– assailed by azaleas.
%20b.jpg)
