2 Girls Flower Rompin'

The end of May/ beginning of June marks the start of Rainy Season in Japan. Humidity levels rise, thunderstorms become quite frequent, downpours are expected several times a week and every store you pass is touting different kawaii/ fashionable rain gear- rainboots, rain shoes, light rain coats, ponchos, and umbrellas in every color and style you can imagine. But the best part is the sudden explosion of blooming hydrangeas (ajisai) that last all month and add so much vibrant color all over the city, surrounding suburbs, and the rest of the country for that matter. It kind of feels like a second-wave sakura season. There are destinations where hundreds to thousands of hydrangea are planted just for viewing pleasure and appreciation during June. There are festivals in many well known hydrangea-heavy areas, and even some snacks shaped (and maybe?) flavoured like the ajisai.

I made a bosom-friend through instagram a bit ago, and we went exploring one day to a park in a little Tokyo neighborhood to take in the scenery. We also went to a festival together, but I didn't have my camera with me then, and all the booths were empty or being taken down by the time we arrive in the late afternoon anyway. It was still a lovely time though. These photos are from a park in Oji, where tons of hydrangea are planted along a little footpath at the base of a park and along some train tracks. It was the most beautiful sight. I love going places with Sarah because we're really similar in the way we like to explore and enjoy things. She also gets really into taking in details and scenery, and we have a lot of fun taking pictures to together and appreciating beautiful things. I never feel rushed or like I'm worried about wasting her time or making her bored, and it's nice that our paces seem so in tune. She's also an INFP so I'm sure that helps;) Anyway, she let me take some photos of her- isn't she lovely? And she was kind enough to take some of me too- thank you Sarah!<3