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Floral Panda at Shitaya Shrine’s Water Font
下谷神社の花手水：パンダの彩り
Most Shinto shrines include a small, roof-covered purification font called a temizuya (手水舎; sometimes read chōzuya). This freestanding stone basin provides running water and ladles for shrine visitors to rinse their hands and mouth in symbolic purification.
The name temizuya comes from te (hand) and mizu (water), referring to the act of purifying one's hands under a small covered structure (ya). Bamboo ladles are commonly provided for washing the hands and cleansing the mouth. Regardless of faith, all visitors are welcome to take part in this purification ritual when visiting a shrine.
During the pandemic, many temizuya were temporarily closed to prevent the spread of infection. However, shrine staff had a wonderful idea—they repurposed the font as a flower vessel, filling the water basin with freshly cut flowers. This practice quickly gained popularity, and due to its widespread appeal, many shrines have continued the tradition. The beautifully arranged flowers now attract visitors of all ages, leading to the temizuya being affectionately renamed hanachōzu (花手水; hana meaning flower and chōzu meaning water font).
Shitaya Shrine, where this photo was taken, often incorporates a panda motif in its floral arrangements. This is a nod to the twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who reside at the nearby Ueno Zoo. The shrine’s Instagram feed regularly showcases its latest flower displays, delighting visitors with each new creation.
This particular arrangement caught my eye due to the striking contrast between the dark stone water font and the bright, delicate flower petals floating on the water. In the background, deep vermilion torii gates and flags add an additional layer of visual depth. While the scene is cluttered with lines, patterns, and colors—much like the energy of a Tokyo neighborhood—narrowing my focus to just the flowers brings a sense of calmness and joy. It’s heartwarming to think that someone carefully arranges these flowers simply for the enjoyment of shrine visitors.
- Location: Shitaya Shrine, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Timestamp: 14:37・2024/12/10
- Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
- ISO 500 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/10
- Astia/Soft film simulation
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