Hanamatsuri or Buddah’s birthday

Today, I went to Ueno Park. There were so many people enjoying full bloom of cherry blosomms.

At Kiyomidu-kannondoh, I saw a small cottage with a cherry Blossom roof, and a small statue of Buddah inside. I instantly recognized that it was the celebration of the Buddah’s birthday. Buddah is said to have been born on the 8th of April, some 2600 years ago. In celebration of his birth, there appeared nine dragons that poured pure water on this young boy’s head. According to this legend, temples offer a sweetend green tea to the visitors. I was lucky enough to be able to taste a cup of this tea. It also reminded me of the old days when kids like me gathered at local temple expecting the share of this tasteful experience.

Through Tsuki-no-matsu , or a Lunar Pine Tree, famous subject by Hiroshige, an Ukiyoe or a woodblock print paiting painter, Shinobadu-no-ike was seen more beautiful than usual.