Hydrangeas, which gradually start to color in Japan from early June and reach their best viewing time from late June to July. The sight of various colors such as blue, pink, and white blooming is vivid and photogenic.
There are many spots in Japan where you can see a spectacular view of a field full of hydrangeas and spots where colorful hydrangeas are in full bloom. In this article, we will introduce a selection of hydrangea fields from many spectacular spots.
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Hydrangea Season in Japan and Where to See Them
In Japan, hydrangeas start to gradually color from early June and reach their peak in July. We will explain in detail when and where you can see the best season of hydrangeas in each region.
When is the hydrangea season in Japan?
Although the best time to see hydrangeas varies depending on the variety and region, they are generally at their peak nationwide from early June to late July. In Japan, the months of June and July, when hydrangeas bloom, mark the start of the rainy season, known as "Tsuyu". Therefore, for Japanese people, there is an image of "hydrangea = rainy season flower". The reason why many pictures and illustrations of hydrangeas are often depicted with rain is because of this association.
Where can you see hydrangeas in Japan?
While they can be seen all over Japan, the variety and color differ depending on the region, greatly changing the impression. We will explain in the following sections, so please use it as a reference when traveling.
1. Iwate Prefecture | Michinoku Hydrangea Garden
The cedar forest in Ichinoseki, a city rich in nature, is open as the "Michinoku Hydrangea Garden" for a limited time in June and July. The number of varieties that can be seen, such as mountain hydrangeas, Ezo hydrangeas, Western hydrangeas, and ball hydrangeas, is said to be one of the highest in Japan. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, the sight of about 400 species and 40,000 hydrangeas blooming is very fantastical.
In 2024, the garden will be open from June 25 (Tue) to July 25 (Thu). You can enjoy a stroll while admiring the diverse hydrangeas. The Michinoku Hydrangea Festival is also held to coincide with the blooming period, attracting many tourists, mainly locals.
The Hydrangea Pond (July 6 to July 25, 2024) is famous as an Instagrammable spot because colorful hydrangeas float on it. The park is a mountain path and is not paved, so it is recommended to go in comfortable shoes.
- Address: 111 Harasawa, Maikawa, Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate Prefecture
- Business hours: 8:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:00)
- Best time to visit: Late June to late July
- Price: 1,000 yen for adults from June 25 to July 5, 2024
July 6, 2024 - July 25, 2024 Adults 1,300 yen
※500 yen for elementary and junior high school students, free for preschool children
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2. Ibaraki Prefecture | Ibaraki Flower Park
Ibaraki Flower Park, known as a famous spot for roses in the Kanto region. There are flower spots scattered throughout the park and surrounding facilities, and hydrangeas can be seen from June to July. In the "Fureai no Mori" area, you can see about 60 varieties and 6,000 hydrangeas blooming in various colors in the forest.
In the Fureai no Mori area, there are many activities that can be integrated with nature, such as a sports slide that slides down the slope briskly, and glamping at the Circle Lodge in "Hanayasatoyama". It is also recommended to refresh with glamping while enjoying hydrangea viewing.
- Address: 200 Shimoaoyagi, Ishioka-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:00 to 17:00
- Best viewing period: Mid-June to late June
- Admission fee: Adults 1,200 yen to 1,500 yen, Children 400 yen to 500 yen (all June prices, subject to change depending on the season)
※Preschool children are free
3. Kanagawa Prefecture｜Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura is known as a temple where flowers are beautiful throughout the year. When the rainy season comes, hydrangeas bloom on the slope, captivating those who see them. Especially in the rainy season, it is a spot you would want to stroll around when visiting Kamakura. In the early period, from mid to late May, mountain hydrangeas and others start to bloom, but the best season is from mid to late June.
One of the highlights is the potted hydrangeas placed all over the temple grounds. The hydrangeas of Hasedera Temple are a popular spot, rivaling the hydrangeas of Meigetsu-in in North Kamakura. During the peak season, it can get very crowded, so it is recommended to tour with a group.
- Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Opening hours: 8:00 - 16:30
- Best viewing period: Early June to early July
- Admission fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary school students
4. Kanagawa Prefecture | Meigetsu-in
Meigetsu-in in Kamakura, also known as the "Hydrangea Temple". Many of you may have seen photos of hydrangeas blooming on both sides of the stairs leading to the mountain gate. The blue color of the hydrangeas that fill the temple grounds is so impressive that it is called "Meigetsu-in Blue".
There are many spots where hydrangeas bloom other than these stairs at Meigetsu-in, and the collaboration of Japanese-style historical buildings and hydrangeas is so beautiful that it cleanses the heart.
Although it looks steep in the photo, it's actually a relatively gentle staircase. However, Kamakura has many slopes, so it's recommended to wear light clothing and comfortable shoes if you plan to stroll around.
- Address: 189 Yamano-uchi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
- Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00
- Best viewing period: Early June to early July
- Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
5. Aichi Prefecture | Katahara Onsen Hydrangea Village
Located along the coast of Aichi Prefecture is the Gamagori Onsen district. One of them, Katahara Onsen, is famous as a hydrangea spot. Around the Hoda Pond (Hodaga-Ike) located in one corner of the hot spring district, about 50,000 hydrangeas of approximately 100 varieties are in full bloom.
Within the vast grounds, there is a habitat for fireflies, and the probability of encountering Genji fireflies increases around 20:00 in early June. For one month every June, during the hydrangea festival period, about 100,000 visitors come to see the 50,000 hydrangeas planted in Katahara Onsen in full bloom, and a temporary bus service is also operated.
When the sun goes down, it is lit up until 21:00, and you can enjoy a different atmosphere of the hydrangea village from the daytime. If you're lucky, you may also see the Genji fireflies that live in the hydrangea village, and you can imprint a romantic scene that you can't see anywhere else.
- Address: 28-1 Ichinosawa, Kanehira-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture
- Business hours: 8:00 - 21:00
- Best viewing period: Early June to late June
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6. Kyoto Prefecture | Maizuru Nature Culture Park
Maizuru City, an area along the sea in Kyoto. Maizuru Natural Culture Park is a hidden gem where you can avoid the crowds as it is away from the urban areas, despite being a park rich in nature. In early summer, hydrangeas spread all over, making you feel as if you are at the sea. The hydrangeas viewed from the observation deck are particularly a must-see.
A park blessed with the rich nature of the Ooura Peninsula overlooking Maizuru Bay. The hydrangea garden, where about 100 varieties and 100,000 plants bloom, is crowded with many tourists every year during the flowering season. The carpet of colorful hydrangeas covering the entire area is a breathtaking beauty.
- Address: Tanenji, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
- Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
- Best viewing period: Mid to late June
- Admission: Adults 500 yen, Elementary and Junior High School students 250 yen *Free for preschool children
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7. Hiroshima Prefecture | Flower village Kamu no Sato
Sera Town, located in the mountainous region of Hiroshima Prefecture, is an area where you can enjoy seasonal flowers from spring to autumn. At "Flower village Kamu no Sato", about 3,500 hydrangeas of 115 varieties color the plateau.
On weekends in late June and early July, you can also enjoy the hydrangea flower hand water (pictured above). The "Hydrangea Soda", which is inspired by the fantastical colors of the butterfly pea, is also sold. In addition, the flower called "Tachiaoi" blooms at the same time here, so let's enjoy it together with the hydrangeas.
- Address: 3-3 Kamitsuda, Sera-cho, Sera-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:00-17:00
- Best viewing period: Early June to early July
- Admission fee: Adults 500-800 yen, Children 200-400 yen *Varies depending on the state of flowering
Hydrangea and Hollyhock Hill｜Flower village Kamu no Sato | Hiroshima, Japan
8. Kagawa Prefecture | State-run Sanuki Manno Park
The only state-run park in Shikoku, State-run Sanuki Manno Park. Various flowers bloom in the vast premises throughout the four seasons. In the Hydrangea Garden, you can see about 40 varieties and 20,000 hydrangeas.
Various types of hydrangeas such as mountain hydrangeas and western hydrangeas are planted. The three-dimensional flower garden with height differences is barrier-free, so you can stroll with less burden even with a stroller or wheelchair.
- Address: 4243-12 Yoshino, Mannou Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:30 to 17:00
- Best viewing period: Early June to late June
- Admission fee: 450 yen for adults, 210 yen for those aged 65 and over *Free for junior high school students and under
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9. Kagoshima Prefecture | Ajisai Gorge Shinonome-no-Sato
"Ajisai Gorge Shinonome-no-Sato" is a large garden of about 40,000 square meters, built using natural features such as mountains and rivers. It is one of the largest hydrangea gardens in western Japan, with a promenade and observation deck that take advantage of the approximately 3km terrain.
As you walk through the park, you will find various flower landscapes waiting for you, such as hydrangea fields, hydrangea roads, and hydrangeas along the stream. During the peak season, over 100,000 hydrangeas of about 160 varieties bloom, enhancing the hydrangea festival. This period is busy every year, so please check in advance when you visit.
- Address: 2881 Kamiokawachi, Izumi-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:30 to 16:00
- Best viewing period: Early to late June
- Price: 500 yen for adults *Free for junior high school students and under
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Let's go see the hydrangea fields in early summer!
We have introduced recommended hydrangea fields all over Japan. Depending on the location, there are events, and the best time to see them varies a little, so you can enjoy the unique way of enjoying each area. Why not find the best season for each and visit?
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