From Spring to summer,Japan is full of beautiful flowers.
So I apologize to continue flower article.
In this article,I introduce Azalea at Nezu Shrine,Bunkyo-Ku,Tokyo,Japan.
Nezu shrine is located next to University of Tokyo Hongo campus.
This area is so quiet atmosphere.
But in Azalea season,this area is crowded with a lot of people.
Here is Torii(gate) of Nezu shrine.
Second gate is over the little bridge.
Haiden (place for prayer) is furthermore ahead.
Visitors have to pray for god at first,I don’t have enough time,I went Azalea garden directly.
Azalea garden is left side toward second gate.
Entrance fee of Azalea garden is 200yen.
Age under six is free.
Various types of Azalea is seen here. Full blooming period differs by kind of Azalea. In this day middle period blooming Azalea was full blooming. Visitors can enjoy Azalea until beginning of May,but it is affected by climate.I recommend to go from middle to late April.
This area was especialy conspicuous.
I found continuous Torii. I’ll go later.
General view, front focus.
General view,middle focus.
To change focus point is interesting.
I can see another world through finder.
Close up.
General view,opposite side.
Various type.
Second gate and Azalea.
General view, F8
I set F number 8 to take this photo.
In case I want to avoid people’s face blur, I often set F number under 8.This is easy to use for example SNS or other medias.
And my standard F number is 8 when I take photos in my hand.
Of course I change F number suit for situation.
General view F22(pan focus). Large F number is a little dark.
This was first time to see this kind of Azalea.This is called Hanaguruma(means flower wheel ).Because it looks like horse or cow wheel in old Japan,so this kind is called like that.
Small,but strong red!
Shinny!
Sunshine makes flowers more beautiful!
Two colors from one tree.
This area was like burning fire!
Ground is paved, easy to walk. But many steps. Watch your step.
I went continuous Torii.
Where dose this gate lead??
At the middle of Torii,there was Otome Inari.
Otome means girl in Japanese.Behind this shrine,there are wind cave.
It was considered woman’s body as symbol of fertility.
And now,it is said that here is good for Marriage tie, many woman visit here.
Next of Otome Inari,there was a small square.
In this square, this statue is located. Three monkeys.They are posing Don’t watch, Don’t listen, Don’t say. (This is famous at Nikko Toshogu Shrine.) Can you find it??
After the walking,I prayed for god.
Another entrance of Otome Inari. Maybe here is front entrance.
Many souvenir shops.
Visitors can buy Azalea. Would you like to souvenir??
Information
Azalea garden opens from 9:00AM to 5:30PM.
Only daytime. And there are so crowed.
So I think tripod is not needed.
This year(2015) from Azalea garden open was during April 11th to May 6th 2015.
This is a little change by year.
Nearest Station
Nezu Station/Sendagi Station:Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Todaimae Station:Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line