Enjoy Japan's rainy season by viewing hydrangeas in full bloom! This flower has always been treasured in Japanese culture. We introduce five great places to see hydrangeas in and around Tokyo.
Every year around June the rainy season makes its way to Japan. The rainy season is hot and very humid, so it could be said that it’s not the best time to come visit Japan, especially if you're not used to the climate.
Photo by Pixta
Nevertheless, the rainy season has its own unique charms and fun activities. One of those activities is viewing hydrangeas, also known as ajisai in Japanese. These vividly-colored yet modest Japanese flowers only bloom during this time.
This article will introduce you to five carefully chosen spots around Tokyo and its suburbs where you can view the charming hydrangea flowers.
1. Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park in Bunkyo Ward
Photo by Pixta
During the rainy season, the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival is held at Hakusan Shrine, famous for its hydrangea gardens; the festival grounds extend from the shrine compound to Hakusan Park. Roughly three thousand hydrangeas are in full bloom at this gorgeous festival and they vie for the visitors’ attention with their bewitching colors.
There are also events held during the festival period, primarily on the weekends, and the area is crowded with people. The festival period typically runs from the 10th to around the 20th of the month, but there are minute changes to the schedule every year. Check the official website of the Bunkyo ward for further details.
2. Meigetsuin Temple, Hasedera Temple and Jojuin Shrine in Kamakura
Kamakurain Kanagawa Prefecture is perhaps most well-known as one of the best places to see hydrangeas in Japan. In particular, Meigetsuin Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Jojuin Shrine are called the three great Kamakura hydrangea viewing spots, famous for their blankets of hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas can be seen everywhere in the city of Kamakura. This is the perfect time to visit Kamakura for sightseeing!
3. The Eastern Imperial Palace Garden in Chiyoda Ward
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Crowds of people flock to the Imperial Palace grounds every day, as it also contains a great place to see the hydrangeas. The eastern garden, located on the east side of the palace and centered around the former Edo Castle, is a fabulous place to appreciate the flowers.
The garden is not just home to hydrangeas but to other seasonal flowers, too. On the next rainy day, how about taking a nostalgic stroll in its historic atmosphere? The best time for the hydrangeas is from early June to mid-July.
4. Chokokuji Temple in Taito Ward
Every year during the rainy season, the Iki-Iki Asakusa Hydrangea Festival is held at Chokokuji Temple in Asakusa.
In 2015, the festival featured a “hydrangea picture book” booth where visitors could see a hundred varieties of hydrangeas at once, places to purchase hydrangeas, as well as other booths and stalls for festival-goers to enjoy.
The closest station to the grounds is not Asakusa Station, but Minowa Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (or, alternately, Iriya Station) so please be careful. For more information, please see their website (Japanese). In 2022, the Iki-Iki Hydrangea Festival will be held on June 18-19.
Also located in the Taito ward of Tokyo is Sumida Park where you can enjoy viewing the hydrangeas with Tokyo Skytree in the background.
5. Hamarikyu Garden in Chuo Ward
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Very near to the popular Tsukiji Fish Market, is a fantastic place to see hydrangeas: Hamarikyu Garden.
Inside the garden, the hydrangeas are in full bloom, alongside a thousand Japanese irises. After getting your fill of the ocean’s fresh bounty at the Tsukiji Fish Market, how about coming to the garden to take a stroll and see the flowers? The best time to see them is mid-to-late June.
In Japan, you can enjoy the beauty of nature at any time, even during the rainy season. By the way, hydrangeas look even prettier when wet with rain.
Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival) at Hakusan Shrine, Hakusan Park
Address: Tokyo, Bunkyo, Hakusan 5 Chome-31-26
Open: 9:00-16:00 (shrine office), but the grounds are always open to visitors
Closed: None
Wi-Fi: No
Credit Cards: No
Support in Other Languages: No
Nearest Station: Hakusan Station (Toei Mita line), Hon-Komagome Station (Namboku line)
Access: 3 minute walk from Hakusan Station; 5 minute walk from Hon-Komagome Station
Phone: 03-3811-6568
Website: Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri
Kamakura
Address: Kanagawa, Kamakura, Komachi 1
Website: Kamakura
Eastern Imperial Palace Garden
Address: Tokyo, Chiyoda, Chiyoda 1-1
Hours: from 9:00-16:00 (varies seasonally, see website)
Closed: Monday, Friday, New Year’s holidays (12/28 to 1/3)
Wi-Fi: No
Credit Cards: No
Support in Other Languages: No
Nearest Station: Otemachi Station (all subway lines)
Access: 5 minute walk from Otemachi Station
Phone: 03-3213-1111
Website: Eastern Imperial Palace Garden
Asakusa Chokokuji
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Senzo 3-19-6
Closed: None
Wi-Fi: No
Credit Cards: No
Support in Other Languages: No
Nearest Station: Iriya Station or Minowa Station (Hibiya line)
Access: 10 minute walk from either station
Phone: 03-3872-1667
Website: Asakusa Chokokuji
Hamarikyu Gardens
Address: Tokyo, Chuo, Hamarikyu-teien 1-1
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: New Year (12/29 to 1/1)
Wi-Fi: No
Credit Cards: No
Support in Other Languages: No
Nearest Station: Tsukijishijo Station (Toei Oedo line), Shiodome Station (Yurikamome line)
Access: 7 minute walk from Tsukiji Ichiba Station or Shiodome Station
Price range: 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for seniors over 65 (free for children under elementary school age, as well as junior high school students who live or study in the Tokyo area)
Phone: 03-3541-0200
Website: Hamarikyu Gardens
All images from Pixta
