My favorite Ajisai lane and rite of passage

Late June is usually in the middle of a rainy season 
which lasts about one and a half months till mid-to-late July
but not yet in some regions including Nara this year.
The floral symbol of Japan's rainy season, Ajisai (Hydrangeas),
have looked tired in the sunshine and are withering relatively sooner.

There is a lovely Ajisai lane connecting the residential area of Mayumi and the Tomio River.

It is so narrow that only a compact car can barely pass through. 
Nice and quiet place to stroll around.

The forest of Ajisai runs along the south side of Chokyu-ji Temple.
  The temple was founded in the 8th century by the Buddhihst high priest Gyoki 

 to commemorate and pray for Ono Mayumi Takeyumi 
who was killed by a stray arrow shot by his son.

From that incident, the temple was named 長弓寺 “Chokyu-ji”
meaning “長 long and 弓 arrow”.

It is close to the border of Ikoma and Nara Cities.

The spacious precinct is almost always calm.

Back to the path leaving the temple,

shall we continue to walk in the dappled shadow?

iPhone photo by my daughter

I guess the sight of a little child would be like this while walking through the path.

By the way, Koki of my brother-in-law was celebrated in the Ajisai season.

My sister and I have celebrated each other’s rite of passage including our spouses.

古希 Koki (70th birthday) is the second celebration for longevity 

following 還暦 Kanreki (60th birthday.)

The name derives from a verse by the Chinese poet 杜甫 Du Fu,

人生七十古来稀

It means that the age of 70 was a rare occurrence.

Incidentally, the average life expectancy for Japanese men was 81.09 in 2018.

Creative Italian Cuisine of the Ristorante L'Olchestrata at the Nara New Public Hall
Here

Wish you all healthy long life,

embracing Each Season of Life.

Linked to Mosaic Monday
Our World Tuesday
My Corner of the World