Hydrangea Season in Japan: Best Temples, Gardens, and Festivals for Ajisai Viewing
Japan's rainy season isn't just about grey skies. It's also when hydrangeas, known as ajisai in Japanese, transform temples, gardens, and parks into colorful displays of blue, pink, and purple. Blooming in June and early July, these beautiful flowers are deeply connected to Japanese culture. Here's how to enjoy hydrangea season around the country.
The Cultural Significance of Hydrangeas in Japan
Hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season, and their shifting colors, based on soil acidity, symbolize impermanence and emotional change. In Japanese aesthetics, this reflects the beauty of transience (wabi-sabi). Ajisai are also associated with gratitude, apologies, and unspoken emotion, and often appear in seasonal poetry, sweets, and art.
You'll often find them along temple paths and forest trails, creating quiet, contemplative spaces perfect for early summer strolls.
When and How to Enjoy Hydrangeas in Japan
Hydrangeas typically bloom from early June through early July, depending on the region:
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Southern Japan (Kyushu, Kyoto): Late May to early June
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Central Japan (Tokyo, Kanagawa): Mid to late June
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Northern Japan (Tohoku): Late June to early July
Rain enhances their color, making it one of the most photogenic seasons of the year. Locals often visit famous hydrangea temples and gardens during gentle drizzles.
Tips for Enjoying Ajisai Season
・Bring a clear umbrella to enjoy the view and capture great photos.
・Look for heart-shaped petals and rare varieties like lacecap hydrangeas.
・Visit tea shops for seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) shaped like hydrangeas.
・Attend night illuminations at certain temples and shrines for a unique experience.
Famous Hydrangea Temples and Viewing Spots
Meigetsu-in Temple (Kamakura, Kanagawa)
Known as Japan's original "Hydrangea Temple," Meigetsu-in is famous for its 2,500 blue ajisai that line a serene temple path. The temple's circular window (Satori no Mado) offers a stunning view of the seasonal garden.
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Rikugien Garden (Tokyo)
This Edo-era garden in central Tokyo is known for spring and autumn foliage, but June brings a peaceful display of hydrangeas along shaded paths and near ponds.
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Takahata Fudō-son Temple (Hino, Tokyo)
Just outside central Tokyo, this temple hosts a large ajisai festival with over 7,800 hydrangea bushes and 250 varieties. The hillside paths and five-story pagoda create a tranquil retreat.
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Mimuroto-ji Temple (Uji, Kyoto)
Nicknamed the "Temple of Flowers," Mimuroto-ji features over 20,000 hydrangea bushes in a wide range of colors. Visitors often look for the heart-shaped blossoms said to bring good luck. Evening light-ups offer a romantic twist.
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Sanzen-in Temple (Ohara, Kyoto)
This quiet temple in the mountains of Ohara features moss gardens, jizo statues, and ajisai blooming beneath tall cedar trees. It's a peaceful escape from Kyoto's city crowds.
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Must-Visit Hydrangea Festivals
Here are some hydrangea festivals taking place all across Japan worth checking out.
Ichinoseki Hydrangea Festival (Iwate)
Held in Matsurube Park, this festival showcases over 40,000 bushes and panoramic hilltop views. Local food stalls open on weekends.
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Mito Hydrangea Festival (Ibaraki)
This festival at Komon Park features 6,000 plants, tea ceremonies, and historical architecture. A perfect day out during the rainy season.
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Katahara Onsen Ajisai Festival (Aichi)
With 50,000 hydrangeas near a pond, evening illuminations, and nearby hot springs, this is one of Japan's most atmospheric festivals.
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Expo '70 Commemorative Park Hydrangea Festival (Osaka)
This large park has 4,000 bushes, family-friendly activities, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the season.
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Sanuki Manno Park Hydrangea Festival (Kagawa)
In Shikoku, this spacious park blooms with 16,000 hydrangeas and offers workshops, exhibits, and picnic spots.
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Kurume Hydrangea Festival (Fukuoka)
Held at Senkoji Temple, this festival features a tranquil hydrangea garden and a chance to buy plants to take home.
Learn more here
Experience the Season
The hydrangea season is one of the most poetic times of year in Japan. Whether you're exploring a mossy temple trail or attending a local flower festival, ajisai offer a quiet reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and find beauty in the rain.
