-here is a little taste of the hydrangeas that are in bloom in Japan right now.  Most these photos were taken wandering around the streets.  The japanese use the flowers in all kinds of window displays- especially for foods.......sweets in particular.  Many souvenirs are available celebrating summer and the blooming of the hydrangea as well as spring and the blooming of the cherry blossoms.  It all makes sense when you remember that Shinto is a religion based on the worship of nature.  I put this together before we went to Kamakura which is famous for its hydrangea shrine.   The Kamakura photos will have to be added later.....