Bōshu (Grain Beards and Seeds)

Japanese ume plums. (© Pixta)

Ōmi Jingū holds its Rōkokusai (Water Clock Festival) to coincide with the Anniversary of Time on June 10. (© Pixta)

Blue hydrangea flowers growing in acidic soil. (© Pixta)

Pink hydrangea flowers growing in alkaline soil. (© Pixta)

Otaue Shinji at Sumiyoshi Taisha. (© Pixta)

Hime fireflies. (© Pixta)

Wagashi resembling hydrangeas. (© Pixta)

Rakkyō pickled in sweet vinegar. (© Pixta)

Japanese flying squid (left) and atarime, which is thinly sliced and lightly grilled squid, here served with mayonnaise and chili. (© Pixta)

Chilled sea bass as arai sashimi. (© Pixta)