Few seasons are probably as polarizing in Japan as summer. Many are looking forward to summer break but the dreaded rainy season and the hot and humid weather is definitely a challenge. As a sort of compensation, the arrival of summer also means the flourishing of hydrangeas, or ajisai in Japanese, turning many outdoor spaces into picturesque scenes with beautiful shades of white, blue, violet and pink.
Fun fact: Did you know these colors are related to the ph in the soil for most hydrangea varieties? Acidic soil below ph of 6 will usually result in blue flowers while alkaline values above a ph of 7 will result in pink or darker hues. So naturally, neutral soil will generally result in something in between like violet shades or even a mix of pink and blue. The exception being the white varieties, which will remain white regardless ph values.
Well anyway, we’re not here to just nerd out about herbology but to provide you with the greatest excuse to get your umbrella and go out to enjoy some of the prettiest sights of the rainy season! With this in mind, here we go with the best places to see Hydrangeas in Japan!
Check also 5 Best Spots for Hydrangeas Viewing in Tokyo!
1. Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival at Hakusan Shrine, Tokyo
The Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (文京あじさい祭り), held at Hakusan Shrine (白山神社), is one of Tokyo’s cherished rainy season spectacles. For over three decades, this festival has drawn visitors to admire the beautiful assembly of approximately 3,000 hydrangea flowers, showcasing around 20 distinct varieties.
Scheduled in early to mid-June, the festival also features engaging events and stalls offering local delicacies and products, besides celebrating the beauty of hydrangeas. This festivity is a splendid opportunity to visit a shrine with over 1,000 years of history amidst a sea of stunning hydrangeas.
More information: Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
2. Showa Memorial Park, Tokyo
Showa Memorial Park (国営昭和記念公園) is a vast haven of natural beauty in Tokyo’s western suburbs. Celebrated for its diverse flora that blooms throughout the year, the park becomes a special attraction during the rainy season with its spectacular display of hydrangeas. With approximately 9,000 hydrangea plants dotted across the park, you can wander along the designated “Ajisai Road” to soak in the vibrant hues.
The park’s expansive layout helps with keeping a peaceful ambiance, even during peak visiting times. The park’s premises also have ample spaces for picnic and even barbecue so it’s an excellent choice for a fun summer outing with family or friends.
3. Kamakura, Kanagawa
Kamakura, a coastal town renowned for its historical significance and scenic beauty, transforms into a hydrangea paradise during the rainy season. Meigetsu-in (明月院) and Hasedera (長谷寺) are two temples that stand out for their breathtaking hydrangea displays.
Meigetsu-in, affectionately known as “The Hydrangea Temple,” boasts around 2,500 baby blue hydrangeas, creating a soothing sight amid the lush greenery. Hasedera, perched on a hilltop, presents a vibrant array of thousands of hydrangeas of various kinds, complemented by panoramic views of Kamakura city and Sagami Bay.
Both temples attract numerous visitors during the hydrangea season, which is a lot to say for a destination that’s already popular year-round. Totally worth it though!
▽More information about hydrangeas in Kamakura!▽
▶3 Best Temples in Kamakura for Hydrangea Viewing
4. Hakone Tozan Railway, Kanagawa
The Hakone Tozan Railway (箱根登山鉄道) is affectionately known as the “Hydrangea Train” because of its unique and picturesque feature during summer. As the train meanders through the mountains in Hakone, passengers are treated to a stunning display of hydrangeas during the peak blooming season between June and July.
The experience is further enhanced during the evening hours when the hydrangeas are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere (check the official website for updated illumination schedules. This seasonal event draws visitors from near and far, eager to witness the vibrant blues, purples, and pinks that adorn the railway’s tracks.
5. Michinoku Hydrangea Garden, Iwate
Nestled within a vast cedar forest, Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (みちのくあじさい園) in Iwate is a spectacular sanctuary home to approximately 40,000 hydrangea plants spanning over 400 varieties. Recognized as one of Japan’s most extensive hydrangea collections, the garden blooms vibrantly from late June to late July.
There are three distinct walking trails – the Crimson Course, the Princess Course, and the Trail for the Strong-legged, each with unique vantage points of the colorful spectacle. The Michinoku Hydrangea Festival is held during the peak blooming season, attracting crowds with its stunning “Hydrangea Pond” feature, where myriad hydrangea hues float on the water’s surface, adding to the already breathtaking floral displays.