A special public viewing of the iris-like perennial plant, the Japanese iris (Ichihachi), is being held at Tokujomyoin Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, to coincide with its blooming season. The purple and white flowers are softly coloring the grounds of the nunnery.
Tokujomyoin Temple is a special temple of the Jodo sect, and a branch temple of Zenkoji Daihongan (the head temple of the Jodo sect, located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture). Approximately 250 iris plants are planted in front of the main hall, which is shaped like the main hall of Zenkoji Temple.
This year, due to a prolonged period of high average temperatures, the flowers are blooming about five days earlier than usual. Deputy Chief Priest Fushimi Joka encourages visitors to come and see the many flowers, hoping to calm their bleak feelings before they leave. The viewing is open until May 5th. Admission is 500 yen.
