Golden Week has passed in the blink of an eye, and the rainy season is already upon us.
When one thinks of the rainy season, hydrangeas are the first thing that comes to mind.
In this issue, we would like to introduce Fujinomori Shrine, a site to visit near Fushimi Inari Shrine — a perfect place to visit during the rainy season.
Fujinomori Shrine, the god of luck and horses
Fujimori Shrine is located a 5-minute walk from Fujinomori Station, one stop from JR Inari Station, or a 7-minute walk from Sumizome Station on the Keihan Main Line.
Fujinomori Shrine has been enshrined here since before the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo and located in the same shrine parishioners’ region as Fushimi Inari area, where our restaurant is located. The shrine is also famous as the birthplace of the Iris Festival and is believed by horse racing fans to be a shrine for luck and horses. It is also well known for the horse-riding ritual held during the Dragon Boat Festival.
The shrine is also associated with the famous Heian-period Japanese sword "Tsurumaru" and in recent years has become popular as a sacred site for the game and anime "Touken Ranbu" (sword dance).
Hydrangea Festival at Fujinomori Shrine
Another specialty of Fujinomori Shrine is hydrangea. Along with Mimurotoji Temple in Uji, it is considered one of the most famous hydrangea viewing spots in southern Kyoto. The Hydrangea Festival and hydrangea garden are open to the public from June 1 (Sat) to June 30 (Sun) every year. There are two vast hydrangea gardens in the precincts of the temple where visitors can see approximately 3,500 hydrangea of many varieties in bloom. The garden is a popular spot for tourists to visit during this season. The hydrangeas’ color gradation, from purple to blue, as well as pink, is very beautiful and the sight of the hydrangeas blooming brightly in the rain is fantastic.
A vermilion stamp of hydrangea is available only during this period.
On June 15 (Sat) from 10:00am, the Hydrangea Festival ritual will be held. On Saturdays and Sundays during the opening period, there will be ritual events such as kemari (a Japanese football game), gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), and taiko drums, so it may be a good idea to visit on those days.
What is the relationship between hydrangeas and Father's Day?
This year Father's Day 2024 is Sunday, June 16.
The small flower clusters of the hydrangea bring to mind the image of a family gathering, so in recent years, hydrangeas have become the standard gift for Father's Day.
It can also be nice to take a leisurely stroll with your father in a hydrangea garden. When you visit Fushimi Inari with your family, be sure to stop by Fujinomori Shrine.
Going out together for Father’s Day is lovely, but it is also nice to express this special gratitude in a Father's Day gift.
We at SHU. offer a variety of products that are perfect for Father's Day gifts, including sake cups and fans that are popular among men.
Beautiful sake cup with gold leaf on black glass
Sghr Sugahara, whose handmade glasses are popular in our store.
The “Kanazawa” series is a series of pitch-black glassware created by the master skills of craftsmen.
The lavishly decorated gold leaf shines beautifully against the black glass, enhancing the flavor of the sake.
The 2 layers of overlapping glass
As the name of the DUO suggests, the 2 layers of overlapping glass look beautiful no matter how many times you look at it, adding a touch of luxury to your everyday life.
There’s something weird and wonderful about it, as if a drink was always in it. Has a delicate gradation that can be made only by the hand of the craftspeople of Sghr Sugahara that can bring out the beauty of the glass to the maximum. Within the simple shape, the colors are layered with a handmade technique.
A fan made of denim from JAPAN BLUE, a denim maker in Okayama
The sturdy 8 ounce denim and straight wide spines, this item has a rugged yet modern look.
The red selvage on the edge of the fan and the non-washed dark indigo blue are superb items that tickle a man's heart.
SHU.’s select list of recommended Father's Day gifts.Tea cups for everyday use, sake cups for a special occasion, and more.
