Kyoto Hydrangea Week at Yokokuji Temple: June 2026

Kyoto Hydrangea Week 2026

Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji, a temple tucked into the hills of Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, will hold its annual Hydrangea Festival from June 1 to June 30, 2026.

Although titled "Hydrangea Week," it's a month-long event combining long‑running installations with several attractions this year.

Visitors will find the temple’s gardens and walkways dressed in hydrangeas and creative floral displays.

The precinct is known historically for the Okōzui spring (sacred water associated with Kūkai), long linked to prayers for eye ailments, and is also recognized as the birthplace of hanatemizu (flower‑water displays) that decorate several spots around the grounds.

Umbrella Sky and Flower Staircase

Colorful umbrellas suspended above walkways create an aerial canopy that frames the hydrangea beds, turning pathways into immersive photo settings.

The nearby Flower Staircase, the steps leading to Ganriki Inari, is lined with fresh hydrangeas so visitors can shoot dramatic vertical compositions.

The hydrangea‑pattern umbrellas used in the installation are sold on site (they often sell out), so arriving early is recommended.

Special Opening of the Upper Shoin Hall

For Hydrangea Week the temple is opening the Upper Shoin, normally available only on the monthly 17. The room overlooks the Mirei Shigemori–designed Jōdo garden, offering sweeping views of the season’s fresh green and hydrangea displays.

The space was used as a filming location for recent films, and a layered stamp activity for visitors (postcard‑sized keepsake) lets you collect stamps around the grounds to create a finished artwork.

Special Goshuin Temple Stamps for Hydrangea Week

The temple is issuing a special kirie‑style goshuin (cut‑paper temple stamp) that opens like a miniature door to reveal images inside, a collectible designed as both a souvenir and devotional image.

Flower Omikuji and preserved blooms

The popular Flower Omikuji pairs a preserved real hydrangea stem with an omikuji (fortune slip) tied to it. These take‑home items function as both keepsake and talisman; supply is limited and they frequently sell out.

Limited‑edition goshuin and souvenirs

New items this year include an embroidered goshuin‑cho (stamp book), and a holographic Light Goshuin that changes with lighting.

More new items include pressed‑flower goshuin made with actual petals, and seasonal omamori charms (including tsumami‑zaiku traditional folded‑petal craft).

Many are one‑time designs available only during the event.

For official details, ticketing, and schedule updates, check the temple’s website.

Kyoto Yanagiya Kannon Hydrangea Week 2026

Dates: June 1–30, 2026
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (gates fully closed at 17:00)
Upper Shoin hours: 9:00–15:00 (timed entry)
Admission: 1,000 yen (Upper Shoin special opening: additional 1,000 yen)
Location: Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple in Kyoto
Official website: https://www.yanagidani.jp/

Information and photo source: PR Times