Rain, Rain . . .

Light . . .

   Every now and then we get a reprieve from the dark, wet days of the rainy season when sullen, gray skies clear and summer clouds float playfully across the blue welkin. Light at the end of the tunnel. The rainy season will soon pass and you'll find me at the beach with a cold beer sweating in my hand. 

Miyaji Daké

   I first went Miyaji Daké Shrine about five years ago when I was on my way to see the fireflies at a nearby river. Although the shrine was holding its annual iris festival at the time, there were very few visitors. What a shame, I thought, because I had never seen anything like it. The inner courtyard between the shrine's main gate and the grand shinden had been filled with purple and white irises that were just starting to bloom. 

   When I returned a week later with my camera, there were still only a handful of worshippers.

   Only a handful, and yet one of them was a young woman dressed in a beautiful kimono the color of irises.

   Every June I try to return to the shrine and explore its grounds in order discover something new about the place. I have posted some photos of my most recent visit here.