Tokyo's Top 2 Recommended Spots for Viewing Colorful and Beautiful Hydrangeas in Early Summer

As early summer arrives, Japan enters its rainy season. Visiting during this time might dampen your spirits due to the frequent rain, but it also offers a chance to appreciate some stunning flowers, particularly hydrangeas. These flowers are known for their vivid colors, with purple and blue being the most common. However, the variety of colors and shapes among hydrangea species means visitors can enjoy a rich tapestry of hues.

Join us as we explore some of the best places in Tokyo to view hydrangeas and attend themed events. Experience the unique charm of a rainy day!

• Table of Contents
• 1. Tips for Enjoying Hydrangea Viewing
• 2. Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
• 3. Kodaira Hydrangea Festival
• How to get to the GTN Haneda Airport Garden store and what products are on sale

1. Tips for Enjoying Hydrangea Viewing

When viewing hydrangeas, there are a few tips that can enhance your experience. Let’s explore them together.

When numerous hydrangeas come together, they create an atmosphere akin to stepping into a fantasy world, a truly enchanting experience worth discovering.

Below, we introduce two top spots in Tokyo for viewing hydrangeas.

2. Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Bunkyo City is celebrated for its lush greenery and stunning floral displays, preserving the charm of the Edo period. Among its many attractions is the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, an annual event that draws visitors from all over to enjoy the hydrangeas.

From the grounds of Hakusan Shrine to Hakusan Park, the area is adorned with about 3,000 hydrangea plants showcasing a variety of species and colors. Visitors can stroll through this floral spectacle and enjoy the natural beauty. The festival also features events primarily on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a chance to engage with local culture and traditions.

Source: Bunkyo City Office Website

Dates: June 8 (Sat) - June 16 (Sun), 2024
Location: Hakusan Shrine (5-31-26 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) and Hakusan Park (5-31 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Access: 3 minutes walk from Hakusan Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line; 5 minutes walk from Hon-Komagome Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
Events: Hydrangea concert, sketching session, dental health festival, hydrangea mikoshi (hydrangea-decorated palanquin), and more.  

For more details, please visit the Bunkyo City Office website

Hakusan Shrine

Located in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Hakusan Shrine boasts a history of over a thousand years since its founding.

The shrine venerates Kikurihime-no-Mikoto, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, and Izanami-no-Mikoto, and is also known as a deity of matchmaking.

Address: 5-31-26 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0001
Phone: 03-3811-6568
Office Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM  

The Do's and Don'ts of Shrine Etiquette

While the specifics of worship can vary from shrine to shrine and even region to region, we're offering you a quick guide to the general customs and etiquette to follow. In Japan, shrines are open to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.

・Dress Code for Shrine Visits

There's no official dress code for visiting shrines, but it's a good idea to steer clear of overly revealing attire. Shrine grounds can be expansive, and the approach might include a gravel path, so comfortable footwear is advised.

・Passing Through the Torii Gate

The torii gate serves as an iconic symbol of Japanese shrines and marks the entrance to the sacred grounds. Before walking through, it's customary to bow and offer a silent greeting to the deity. As you leave, it's also polite to turn around and bow towards the shrine before exiting the torii gate.  

・Walking Along the Shrine Path

In the shrine, the middle of the path is referred to as 'Seichū' and is considered the pathway for the deities. Therefore, try to avoid walking directly in the center of the path.

・Prayer Etiquette

Purifying your body and mind is considered essential when visiting a shrine. Start by locating the 'Temizuya' (a purification fountain) near the shrine's approach to cleanse your hands and mouth. Once you're purified, proceed to the worship hall to pray.

Photo by Freepik

You'll find an offering box at the front of the worship hall where you can place your monetary offering. While many people opt to offer 5 yen for good luck, there's no set rule—the amount is up to you. Some shrines have a large bell hanging from the ceiling; if so, give it a strong shake before placing your offering.

Photo by Freepik

  After making your offering, bow deeply twice and clap your hands twice. Keep your hands together and make a wish. Once you've finished your prayer, bow deeply one final time. This sequence of actions is known as 'Nirei Nihakushu Ichirei' (two bows, two claps, one bow).  

When enjoying the hydrangeas at Hakusan Shrine, please remember to also pay a visit to the shrine, while observing proper manners.

3. Kodaira Hydrangea Festival

Located in Kodaira City, Tokyo, Ajisai Park was established in 1973 with the aim of becoming a renowned spot for viewing hydrangeas. Although the hydrangea garden once faced the threat of extinction, it was revitalized through a greening technique known as "sprouting and renewal," resulting in the beautiful Ajisai Koen (Hydrangea Park) we see today.

The Kodaira Hydrangea Festival takes place in mid-June at Ajisai Park.

During June, the peak season for hydrangeas at Ajisai Park, around 1,500 hydrangeas burst into spectacular bloom.
The hydrangeas are also a sight to behold when lit up at night.
Come and experience the breathtaking hydrangeas at Kodaira Ajisai Park.

Dates: June 1 (Sat) - June 30 (Tue), 2024
Light-up: June 8 (Sat) - June 23 (Sun), 2024 Location: Ajisai Park, 1-25-23 Misono-cho, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, 187-0041, Japan
Access: 5-minute walk from the South Exit of Kodaira Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line  

Source: Kodaira Tourism and Town Development Association

Source: Kodaira Tourism and Town Development Association

Source: Kodaira Tourism and Town Development Association

How about a stroll around Kawagoe as well?

To visit Ajisai Park, you'll need to take the Seibu Railway, which also travels to Kawagoe, affectionately known as "Koedo" or "Little Edo."

Kawagoe, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a historical town that retains a vivid sense of the Edo period. Its streets are lined with old kura-style (warehouse) buildings and stone pavements, making it rich in tourist attractions with great historical value Visitors can also enjoy traditional handicrafts and local cuisine. Throughout the year, a variety of festivals and events take place, making Kawagoe a charming city perfect for day trips and sightseeing walks.

At the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store, you can purchase a SEIBU 1Day Pass that offers discounts for visiting spots along the Seibu Railway.

For more information on the SEIBU 1Day Pass, how to purchase it, and recommended sightseeing spots in Kawagoe, please see the following article.

How to get to the GTN Haneda Airport Garden store and what products are on sale

To learn more about how to get to the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store, please see the following article.

For information on the products we sell, please refer to the article below.

Additionally, for those interested in learning more about long-term plans, pocket Wi-Fi, and home internet services available in Japan, please check out the the GTN Mobile website .

*Please note that the long-term plans are intended for foreign residents in Japan, and are not available to Japanese citizens.

GTN Mobile

We regularly post recommendations about places to visit and culinary delightson GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store's Instagram page, so don’t forget to check it out!

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