Similar to Hanami, the Sakura celebration, in Japan there’s also a celebration of Lotus flowers: Kanrensetsu, the Lotus flower viewing.

Both these flowers have a deep meaning in the Japanese culture: because it lasts for only a few days, the Sakura is the symbol of what is ephemeral, while the Lotus is the symbol of purity, because its roots are deep in mud but the flower blossoms over the water.

Of course, Kanrensetsu is not nearly as popular as Hanami, but Lotus flowers can be admired in many Japanese gardens. The flower from today’s photo was photographed in the Shinobazu Pond from Ueno, one of the best places in Tokyo for Lotus viewing…

Lotus flower, Shinobazu Pond, Ueno, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese traditional architecture, Tsukiagedo