Photo= The pure-white petals of "Byodo-in Hasu" blooming in front of the Phoenix Hall (Byodo-in Temple, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Ancient lotuses called "Byodo-in Hasu" have recently bloomed in the garden of Byodo-in Temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. The large-flowered, pure white lotuses, which are shining again this summer in front of the Phoenix hall, were grown from seeds found during an archeological excavation of the temple garden's pond.

In 1999, an excavation was conducted of the Aji-ike Pond in front of "Ho-o-do," or the Phoenix Hall, and the Byodo-in Hasu seeds, which have been identified as an indigenous species, were found in the stratum from the late Edo Period. The seeds were cultivated by the temple, and flowers have bloomed around this time of year since 2001.

This summer's first lotuses bloomed on June 30, on par with other years. The lotuses are approximately 20 centimeters in diameter, and their petals fall about three days after blooming. The flowers will continue blooming, one after the other, until the end of July. Thirty-seven pots with 10 different types of lotuses, including Byodo-in Hasu, are on display around the temple pond. There is an admission fee.