Temples throughout Japan are packed during Hana Matsuri, as people gather to celebrate the birth of Buddha. It's a time to admire the flowers in the flower hall and pour sweet tea on the Buddha's head.
Processions can be seen in many places, with children dressed in their best kimonos, chanting their way to the temple alongside decorative floats. Inside every temple a Hanamido or flower hall is prepared, where a statue of the baby Buddha sits adorned with flowers. Worshipers pour amacha or hydrangea leaf tea on its head as an offering.
According to legend, Buddha was born in the garden of Lumbini in Nepal. It is said that when he was born the birds sang, the flowers bloomed and sweet rain fell from the heavens to welcome him - which explains all the flowers and sweet tea in today's ceremonies.
Hana Matsuri happens in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, but Tokyo is especially festive at this time. Head for the Sensoji Temple in the ancient Asakusa district of the city, where there is a children's parade in the morning
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