At Ryosokuin Temple (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City), a subtemple of Kenninji Temple, the Japanese lantern sedge is in full bloom. The leaves, which have changed color from green to white, decorate the garden, providing a cool feeling to worshippers under the rainy season sky.
The Japanese lantern sedge is a perennial plant of the Houttuynia family. Its name is said to come from the fact that the half-white leaves look "half-made up," or that they change color on "hangetsu," the 11th day after the summer solstice.
About 800 plants are planted around the pond in front of the Daishoin Temple. On June 23, 2024, in the rain, visitors approached the plants and took photos, enjoying the moist atmosphere.
A woman (37 years old) from Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture said, "It's very beautiful. I can see why it's called 'summer snow scenery.'" The garden will be open to the public until July 14. Advance reservations are required on the Ryosokuin Temple website to go down to the garden and stroll around. There is a fee.
