My favourite spot for photos in my Japanese home away from home is the local Shinto temple. Despite its tranquillity and calm there always seems to be something happening- a devoted monk wandering solemnly; the chime of bells; messages of fortune scrawled upon shrines. The peace and quiet is transformed into something as busy and bustling as the hectic streets of Tokyo.

On this occasion the trees had been adorned with brightly coloured cocktail umbrellas, like fairy lights on an alcoholic Christmas tree.

To be honest, I can’t seem to track down the umbrella’s significance. If you happen to know please leave a comment below!