Japan is one of the most modern countries, but at the same time one of the most traditional societies, with wonderful customs dating back to the distant past.

Uchimizu 「打ち水」 is a tradition performed during the hot summer days, when the alleys inside the Japanese gardens and the pavements in front of the house or store are splashed with water, in order to cool off the area, keep down the dust and… to please the passersby. And as you can see in this photo, uchimizu is performed dressed and equipped traditionally, with yukata and wooden buckets…

Kurashiki, Okayama

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: World Heritage sites in Japan, Itsukushima Shrine