Temperatures in central Tokyo reach over 30 degrees Celsius; Hoozuki lantern plant market held at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa

Lantern plants, or hoozuki, are on sale at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district on Tuesday for the annual Hoozuki Market, which has been held since the Edo period (1603-1868). About 100 stalls lined the area, with visitors buying brightly colored hoozuki, which are considered good luck charms. The event is held every year on July 9 and 10, and visitors are said to receive 46,000 blessings. The market took place on a sultry day with temperatures as of 10 a.m. reaching 31.6 degrees Celsius (88.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in central Tokyo and 32.2 degrees Celsius (90.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in Yokohama’s Naka Ward, according to the Meteorological Agency.