Kyoto Black Butterfly

A large black butterfly with red stripped under body is making its usual spring appearance all over Kyoto. On our walk in the mountain one appeared on a rhododendron right in front of us so I took a couple of quick photos.

Iris garden

The lovely spring iris garden is in bloom. It is not easy to find but is within walking distance of Kamigamo shrine and about 2 miles from our house. I learned that many years ago the first iris plants were brought to Japan from China and planted in this very garden.