Gomadoyama Ajisaien Garden: 30,000 Hydrangeas Blooming In Niigata Prefecture

The best time to see hydrangeas in the Kanto region, including Tokyo, is in mid-June. But if you happen to miss this period, there's another option in Niigata Prefecture. The best time to see hydrangeas in Niigata is from late June to mid-July.

The town of Tagami, about a 40-minute train ride from JR Niigata Station, is home to Gomadoyama Ajisaien Garden—the best place for admiring hydrangeas. If you will be traveling by train, take the train bound for Tagami Station along the JR Shinetsu Main Line from Niigata Station. You will arrive at the mountain trail entrance after a 15-minute walk.

Mountain Climb to the Garden!

To visit the hydrangea garden, you will hike up Mount Gomado. The mountain has an elevation of approximately 274 meters and takes about 40 minutes to reach the summit. Vending machines are located at the foot of the mountain, so we suggest buying drinks before embarking on your walk.

Walking sticks (pictured on the right) are free to borrow, so make use them if you aren’t used to hiking.

Even those who don't typically hike won't encounter any problems. Since the trail is well maintained, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of trees and lush greenery.

Along the way, you will notice a signboard with numbers marking the distance until the summit of Mount Gomado. It's reassuring to know how much longer to reach your destination.

Photo courtesy of Tagami Town Office, Industry Promotion Section, Commercial Sightseeing Official
On your hike, you will come across a sign like the one pictured above. The trail splits into two paths, but the one on the right will take you to the summit. Alternatively, the trail on the left will take you to the hydrangea garden before reaching the peak.

Take a Break At the Summit

When you go right at the fork in the road, you will continue onto a narrow path until reaching the summit. On clear days, you will be greeted with a sprawling view of Tagami.

The Summit Also Has This!

This is a stone monument from the ruins of Gomado Castle. It is said to have been the castle of Kagetsugu Amakasu, a vassal of the Uesugi clan and a daimyo (feudal lord) of the Sengoku Period. This seems like something Japanese history buffs and castle lovers can enjoy.

Let's Head to Ajisaien Garden!

After marveling at the natural scenery and castle ruins, you will go up a narrow flight of stairs. This will lead you to Ajisaien Garden. 30,000 hydrangea shrubs will be in full bloom across the slope, creating a beautiful, vibrant landscape.

When heading down the steps, there will be a narrow path surrounded by hydrangeas. It is very magical and will make you forget about time.

There is also a shop called Ajisai Tea House that serves shaved ice and oden (a one-pot dish with several ingredients simmered in a dashi broth). It is also an ideal place to rest after your hike.

While the mountain has an elevation of 274 meters, the 40-minute hike may be slightly difficult if you don’t exercise regularly. It is necessary to wear proper clothes and shoes that are easy to move in and bring drinks to stay hydrated. Most importantly, don’t push yourself and enjoy Mount Gomado at your own pace.

Despite days of continuous rain, admiring the hydrangeas is one way to see the bright side of tsuyu (rainy season). Try visiting Gomadoyama Ajisaien Garden to marvel at multicolored hydrangeas right before your eyes.

Gomadouyama Hydrangea Garden

Tagami, Tagami-cho, Minamikambara-gun, Niigata 959-1502