Higan@ Saifukuji Temple: March 20, 2012

Today is the mid-day of higan or equinoctial week. It is believed in Japanese tradition that the spirits of our ancestors return to our world this week. So, people visit their family graves and give their prays to their forefathers and mothers.

I visited a small temple (Saifukuji) in Setagatya ward. It was still cold but a fine day.

Many people visited the temple’s cemetery and devoted flowers to the graves.

Flowers were also devoted to Jizo sculptures.


Various spring flowers, such as ume (Japanese apricot) and violet, were fully open in the garden.

The flavor from flowers and incense (at the grave) was impressive.