The Wind Chime Festival has begun at Shojuin Temple in Okuyamada, Ujitawara-cho, Kyoto Prefecture. About 2,000 wind chimes, including "flower wind chimes" with blue and purple hydrangea flowers and "Edo wind chimes" in vivid colors of red, blue and green, are hung in the temple grounds, and the cool sound of them chiming in is echoing through the air.
The types of flower wind chimes change depending on the season, with sunflowers available from July and cosmos available in September. There are also "local wind chimes" from each of the 47 prefectures, and wind chimes made from woven mizuhiki cord from the Noto region in hopes of recovery. There are also small glass snails and rain-making dolls hidden inside, adding a playful touch that will make anyone who finds them smile. There is also an opportunity to paint white wind chimes, which is said to be popular with parents and children.
Deputy chief priest Kunomura Daikan (37 years old) says, "It would be great if people could come and feel the coolness of this summer resort."
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An admission fee is required. Painting experience is an additional fee and no reservation is required. Available until September 30th (opening is closed on August 17th). For inquiries, call Shojuin at 0774 (88) 3601.
