Lotus has ability to bloom from a dirty water but it looks very beautiful. May be because of that in many culture lotus is considered as symbol of purity and enlightenment. Its true for Japanese culture too. This photo was taken from the Shinobazu pond in Ueno park. On the opposite side of the park there is shrine which can also be seen from this photo. The combination of the lotus and shrine is very important for shinto, hindu and buddhism since lotus also symbolise the spirituality and eternity. Additionally lotus also symbolises fertility and prosperity. May be because of all this, lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam.