Tuesday 12 May 2009

Iris swamp @Ota shrine




I visited Ota shrine near Kamogamo shrine a few days ago.

(To see a map, refer to Kamigamo shrine HP)







Ota shrine is a sub-shrines of Kamigamo shrine which is one of the world heritage sites in Kyoto.

The deity of Ota shrine is Amenouzume who is known as a god of dancing & performing arts.



This small shrine is visited by many people only in this season...why??



Because of its famous iris swamp.



A poem to adremire the beauty of this iris swamp was read in 12 century, so this scenery has been seen for more than 800 hundred years!!

The irises start blooming in the biginning of May every year, and flowers can be enjoyed for about 2 weeks.



Now this iris swamp was designated as a national protected species in 1939.


The contrast of green & purple is gorgeous!



I shouldn't write too much explanation... maybe just photos are enough.


Hope you can feel the beauty of this scenery. ;P