At Amidaji Temple, an ancient temple in Ohara Kochihira-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, the clusters of Primula japonica flowers are in full bloom. The bright purple and white flowers stand out against the green maples and moss, and worshippers eagerly take photos of them.
Primula japonica is a perennial plant in the Primulaceae family. Its name comes from the fact that the flowers bloom in several tiers in a ring shape, like the nine rings that decorate the tops of pagodas.
Amidaji Temple grows about 1,300 plants in its courtyard. The yellow-flowering variety also blooms later, so you can enjoy them until early June. A 57-year-old man from Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, was delighted, saying, "This is the first time I've seen such a cluster. They were vivid and beautiful." The admission fee is 500 yen for junior high school students and above.
