Japan is often associated with the delicate cherry blossoms (sakura), but there’s another flower with a similar strong connection, the chrysanthemum (kiku in Japanese), the symbol of the Imperial House of Japan.

A festival dedicated to the kiku, that started more than 1100 years ago with flower expositions held by the Japanese Imperial court, is held every year on September 9. For the entire season, you can admire chrysanthemum expositions in many places, in gardens, parks, shrines or temples.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Ueno, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Kyoto Yasaka Shrine lanterns