Japan boasts magnificent flora throughout the year. If the sakura 桜 (cherry trees) bloom in spring, the ajisai 紫陽花 Hydrangeas, meanwhile, herald the arrival of summer. Below, we suggest 5 places to admire hydrangeas in Tokyo. and around the capital.
The 1,300 flowers of Asukayama Park 飛鳥山公園
Just a short walk from Oji Station in northern Tokyo, Asukayama Park is a beautiful space blending greenery and culture. While known for its cherry blossoms (sakura), it's the park's 15,000 azaleas and 1,300 hydrangeas that truly draw visitors in late spring. It offers the perfect opportunity for a delightful, bucolic afternoon, which can be complemented by a visit to one of the park's three museums.
- Address : 1 Chome-1-3 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0002
- Access : a 10-minute walk from Oji Station (Keihin-Tohoku, Namboku lines)
The Hakusan Shrine Hydrangea Festival 白山神社
Every year for over 30 years, the Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri (文京あじさいまつり), or Hydrangea Festival, has celebrated the blooming of over 3,000 flowers in the shrine and Hakusan Garden. A matsuri wouldn't be complete without festivities – an orchestra, food and drink stalls… much to the delight of visitors!
- Address : 5 Chome-31-26 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0001
- Access : opposite Hakusan Station (Mita Line)
The 2021 edition is cancelled due to COVID. See you next year!
The blue hydrangeas of Meigetsu Temple 福源山明月院
Head to Kamakura – a popular destination for day trips from the capital! In early summer, Meigetsu Temple is nicknamed the Hydrangea Temple because of the magnificent display of these flowers. The temple's paths and hidden corners are adorned with bluish hydrangeas, offering a stunning spectacle to the (many) visitors.
- Address : 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062 (Tel. 0467-24-3437)
- Access : From Kita-Kamakura Station, north exit, approximately an 8-minute walk
Hattori's Hydrangea Farm 服部農園あじさい屋敷
In Chiba Prefecture, there is a rather unusual farm. Indeed, the 10,000 hydrangeas of the Hattori noen ajisai yashiki Since the 1900s, they have given rise to a lovely festival. The flower maze and winding paths guarantee a magical spectacle.
- Address : 719 Sangaya, Mobara, Chiba 297-0042
- Access : one hour by car from Tokyo Station
- Schedules : every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, from 1 amer June to 01er July.
- Price Adults 500 yen, children 200 yen
Flowers and jizo at Takahata Temple 高幡山明王院金剛寺
About an hour from Tokyo, in the suburb of Hino, Takahata Temple offers a refreshing escape. Here, hydrangeas and 88 Jizo statues pave the way for a most peaceful spiritual retreat.
- Address : 733 Takahata, Hino, Tokyo 191-0031
- Access : a 5-minute walk from Takahatafudô monorail station (Keio line)
- Schedules : from 01er as of June 30th
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