February 27, 2016
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Plum Season at Jindaiji
Today's GO SOMEWHERE is Jindaiji Temple and Botanical Garden in Western Tokyo. It is near Chofu, the home of the manga writer Shigeru Mizuki. Below we see some rice balls being grilled, rendered as one of the characters, Medama-Oyaji (Eyeball Dad).
Below we can see a rethatching job underway on the roof of one of the temple buildings.
Incense being burnt in front of the main temple building
Year of the Monkey ema, or wooden plaque for writing prayers.
Some people having special prayers said for a price.
For pain relief, rub the part of the statue where you hurt and leave it a coin.
No pictures? Oops, too late... My bad.
The Daruma-Market time draws near. It's time to dispose of your old Daruma statue and come buy a new one that will encourage one to pursue this year's goals and dreams. All old Darumas will be disposed of by burning, and instructions for disposal include warnings against mistakenly disposing of valuables and other objects that cannot be reclaimed. Also, please do not dispose of dolls or stuffed toys, non combustible New Year's decorations, photographs, New Year's cards, items belonging to deceased persons and so on.
Now let's head for the Botanical Garden where the plums are in bloom. There are some colorful flower shops along the way.
There is also a tea shop or two, and for some reason this one always features a laquered paper umbrella in various stages of disrepair. I like it for some reason.
We are now in the Plum Department of the garden.
See the little blue flowers? These are called Inufuguri犬不繰り, which means doggy testicles. Apparently that is what the seeds are shaped like. Then are tiny signs that spring has arrived.
This bird was also out enjoying the blossoms.
