Things I love about Japan's rainy season: umbrella sky displays

It's hard to believe that we're already in May and that rainy season is just around the corner, but over the years I've grown to enjoy this period more and more. One thing I really love about the lead up to this timeframe is the variety of "umbrella sky" decorations that pop up around the place, and I've seen them everywhere from local shrines to shopping malls and plenty of places in between!

Umbrellas on display at a shrine in Gosen, Niigata

They're such a fun way of adding some color to what can otherwise be a bit of a dreary time of year, and I think they often become tourist attractions in and of themselves.

Have you seen any umbrella sky decorations in your local area?