The tradition of tai-gan-ume is similar to votive tablets (ema), the only difference being that the messages (or wishes) sent to kami are written on a paper which is enclosed in a wooden ball the size of an ume fruit (hence the name).

The tai-gan-ume is usually tied in a tree (similar to the ema which is hung on a rack) but it can also be taken home, as a good luck charm.

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, Teramachi-dori, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese artistic manhole covers, Nakatsu castle