Nelumbo nucifera is known by a number of common names, including blue lotus, Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, and sacred water-lily.
I quote herewith Kyoto Shinbun News dated 20 Jul., 2008 regarding "Ancient Lotuses Large Flowers Bloom".
Byodo-in Temple located is in Uji City, Kyoto prefecture and it is one of the "World Heritage".