In Kyoto, there is a time-honored custom of displaying the hiogi (blackberry lily) during the festive season of the Gion Matsuri.
With its graceful, fan-shaped arrangement of leaves, the plant was named after the traditional wooden folding fans (hiogi) once carried by court nobles in the ancient Imperial Palace.
Legend tells that in days of old, these wooden fans were used to ward off malevolent spirits, which inspired the tradition of displaying hiogi flowers as a sacred talisman against misfortune.
Throughout the month of July, you will find these striking blossoms adorning entryways and alcoves across Kyoto; we warmly invite you to keep an eye out for them as you stroll through the historic streets.
