Annual Chinese Lantern Plant Fair opened in Tokyo's downtown

An annual Chinese Lantern Plant Fair dating back more than 200 years opened in Tokyo's downtown Asakusa District on Tuesday.

The event held at Sensoji Temple has traditionally heralded the arrival of summer since the Edo Period. Many stalls were set up in the temple grounds to sell a variety of the plants notable for their orange-red seed pods which resemble a paper lantern.

There is an old saying that anyone who visits the temple during the fair can receive blessings worth 46,000 days of visits and can stay healthy for the rest of their lives. The plant bears edible fruit that is said to have health benefits and considered a seasonal good luck charm.