Wednesday, July 3
This time I’m sharing a refreshing “Gion set” featuring Gion Shrine and the great Hinoki cypress of Gion🌱✨
First, I watched people pass through the chinowa (a ring of miscanthus) at Gion Shrine⛩👀
As a symbol of the Nagoshi no Harae purification rite, walking through the ring is meant to ward off epidemics and pray for health and safety🙏✨
The shrine grounds were filled with the chorus of cicadas, and dragonflies were already darting over the nearby rice fields, giving the place a full summer feel🌞
With the rainy season suddenly over, the strong sun and humidity are exhausting, but summer scenes like these are lovely in their own way😊💕
Next, I went to see the great Hinoki cypress of Gion🌳✨
Around the cypress, birdsong and dappled sunlight made a pleasant soundtrack, and the climate still felt like summer was just beginning😌🌿
The great cypress stood tall and quiet, radiating a mystical air✨
While photographing, I noticed a bulging shadow around the tree’s waist… from a distance I panicked thinking it was a beehive, but it seems to be a burl that has formed😓
I was relieved it wasn’t a beehive, yet I do feel a bit concerned about the tree’s condition💦
Putting that aside, I wanted to convey the cypress’s mystery and presence, so I did my best to shoot from ground level, even pressing my face close to the earth… but with an ordinary lens and my current skills, I hit my limits😂 I’ll keep improving…
Everyone is busy and summer fatigue and heatstroke are real concerns, but every so often why not relax in nature, cool off, and recharge your energy😌✨