The hydrangea (or ajisai) season is the silver lining to the dark clouds of rainy season in Japan. It begins in late May in the southern prefectures of Okinawa and Kyushu, peaks in June throughout the main island of Honshu, and lasts until late July in Hokkaido.
The warmer weather and longer days spark the ajisai to bloom, with Japan being home to hundreds of different floral varieties. Each type of hydrangea has a unique blossom from bright starbust-like orbs to delicate pastel petals, with many of the best ajisai gardens boasting tens of thousands of blooms.
12 Best Hydrangea Gardens in Japan
Hydrangeas can be found all around Japan in June and July, but these are 12 of the most beautiful gardens, temples, and flower fields for ajisai viewing.
1. Takahata Fudoson, Tokyo
Ride just half an hour from Shinjuku and you’ll arrive at Takahata Fudoson, a Buddhist temple with a history dating back over 1,000 years. This Japanese temple is not only home to several buildings classified as Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Government, but also over 7,500 flowers in 200 varieties. Walking through the grounds behind the temple takes approximately 45 minutes, with countless Sengohyaku Rakan (small Buddha statues) to accompany you along the way.
How to Get There: Takahata Fudoson is a 32-minute ride on the Keio line from Shinjuku Station to Takahatafudo Station.
Admission: Free
Address: 733 Takahata, Hino, Tokyo 191-0031
2. Tamagawadai Park, Tokyo
Ensconced along the Tamagawa River is the wonderful Tamagawadai Park with picnic tables, riverside views, and, best of all, a dedicated hydrangea garden. The cascading flowers cover the hilltop park in a waterfall of purple, blue, white, and pink petals each June, which are enjoyed by scenic painters, musicians, and wide-eyed children alike.
How to Get There: Tamagawadai Park is just one minute from Tamagawa Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line, or a 9-minute walk from Den-en Chofu Station, which is accessible directly from Shibuya.
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-63-1 Denenchofu, Ota City, Tokyo 145-0071
3. Hattori Hydrangea House, Chiba
Hattori Hydrangea House is a picture-perfect garden on the Hattori farm estate with over 10,000 hydrangeas decorating the quaint wooden structures. Although a garden of sorts, the area feels more like a vast field of flowers that runs up and down the surrounding hills. After getting lost in the winding stone pathways and 250 varieties of hydrangeas, you can even stop for refreshment at the fresh fruit stand selling produce grown on the property.
How to Get There: Hattori Hydangea House is located 10 minutes by taxi from Mobara Station on the JR Sotobo Line.
Admission: Adults ¥600, Children ¥300
Address: 719 Sangaya, Mobara, Chiba 297-0042
4. Enoshima, Kanagawa
An island in Segami Bay accessible on foot, visiting Enoshima’s hydrangeas makes for the perfect Tokyo day trip. Exploring Enoshima quickly reveals that it is no ordinary island. You’ll find a mountaintop temple, countless restaurants, and 360-degree views of Segami Bay (including one rumoured to have inspired Hokusai’s Great Wave). During June, hydrangeas pop up all across the island, decorating the enchanting streets with vibrant pops of colour.
How to Get There: To get to Enoshima, take the Shonan-Shinjuku line to Fujisawa Station, then change to the Fujisawa line to Katase-Enoshima Station. Walk 14 minutes across the bridge to arrive at Enoshima Island.
Admission: Free
Address: Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036
5. Tenjoyama Park, Yamanashi
Often overlooked on trips to visit Fuji-San and Kawaguchiko is the lovely Tenjoyama Park. This mountainside walkway makes for a slightly difficult walk up, or a leisurely stroll down from the Kawaguchiko ropeway and Mount Fuji vantage points. It’s most beautiful during the ajisai season when the bushes are transformed into an explosion of colourful hydrangeas to frame your mountain and lake photos.
How to Get There: Tenjoyama Park is a 13-minute walk from Kawaguchiko bus and train Station, or pay ¥600 to ride the ropeway up and enter the park from the mountain top.
Admission: Free
Address: 1163-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303
6. Katahara Onsen Ajisai no Sato, Aichi
Ajisai no Sato translates to hydrangea village, setting the scene for what you’ll find in this lakeside resort in Aichi. The hydrangea festival is only open for one month, from June 1st to 30th, to celebrate the 50,000 blooms and 100 rare varieties. If wooden bridges, illuminated night paths, and tranquil lakes pique your interest, then it’s well worth the trip to Katahara Onsen.
How to Get There: To visit Katahara Onsen Ajisai no Sato, take the Tokaido line from Nagoya to Gamagori Station, then catch the shuttle bus directly to the onsen.
Admission: ¥500, and free for students and those with disabilities
Address: Ichinosawa-28-1 Kanehiracho, Gamagori, Aichi 443-0102
7. Mimuroto-ji Temple, Kyoto
A day spent at Mimuroto-ji Temple in the historical city of Uji brings you lush forest, captivating architecture, and, of course, a blanket of bright and fluffy hydrangeas. Sometimes referred to as the hydrangea temple, Mimuroto-ji is the perfect place to disconnect from reality and reconnect with peace, nature, and beauty.
How to Get There: Take the Keihan main line to Chushojima Station, then change to the Uji line and ride to Mimurodo Station. Walk 21 minutes to the temple grounds.
Admission: Adults ¥1,000 yen, Children ¥500
Address: Shigatani-21 Todo, Uji, Kyoto 611-0013
8. Kyuanji Temple, Osaka
Kyuanji Temple was first founded 1,300 years ago and was honoured as the 12th sacred Kansai Flower Temple for its summer blossoming beauty. During the hydrangea season, Kyuanji features a wall of gorgeous ajisai as well as filling their pond with these blue, white, and lilac petals. Exploring the 16 acres of temple grounds makes for a charming day trip from Osaka that takes less than an hour by public transport.
How to Get There: To visit, take the Takarazuka main line to Ikeda Station, then catch the Hankyu bus for 20 minutes to Kyuankji.
Admission: ¥300
Address: 697 Fushiocho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0011
9. Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Kobe
Perhaps the most unique hydrangea garden in Japan, the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden celebrates alpine plants and blooms from the base of Mount Rokko. It has been open for almost 100 years, using the distinctive alpine environment to cultivate the mountain landscape. The botanical garden is even home to a distinctive variety of hydrangea known as the Rokko Blue, recognised by its deep blue hue.
How to Get There: From Kobe, take the Kobe line to Rokko Station, then walk one minute to the cable car. Ride the cable car to Rokko Sanjo Station and from there, take the Rokko Sanjo Bus Route One for two stops and get off at Mori No Oto Museum.
Admission: Adults ¥900, Children ¥450
Address: Kitarokko-4512-150 Rokkosancho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0101
10. Mikaeri no Taki Falls, Saga
One of Japan’s most overlooked features is the countless sparkling waterfalls found across the country. Mikaeri, meaning reward, is the perfect example of this. Not only is it the highest waterfall in Kyushu, but this striking cascade of water is also home to a yearly hydrangea festival. Hop on the ¥100 shuttle bus to Hotaru Bridge to see the flowers surrounding Mikaeri no Taki by day or night, thanks to the hillside illumination.
How to Get There: Drive or take a taxi for eight minutes from JR Ochi Station.
Admission: Free
Address: Ochicho Ikisa, Karatsu, Saga 849-3223
11. Cape Togenkyo, Miyazaki
Cape Togenkyo is a cool destination no matter the season, but when the hydrangeas bloom in June and July, it is particularly breathtaking. The cape overlooks the sea far below with scenic views straight from your favourite slice of life anime thanks to the blue water, green foliage, and purple, white, pink, and yellow ajisai. The area boasts two million hydrangeas every summer and is completely free to explore by car or on foot.
How to Get There: Cape Togenkyo is only accessible by car and is a 30-minute drive south of Nobeoka.
Admission: Free
Address: Iorigawa, Kadogawa, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki 889-0602
12. Yohena Ajisai Garden, Okinawa
The hydrangea season even spreads to Okinawa, with many hydrangea gardens dotting the island paradise, such as Yohena Ajisai Garden in the North of Okinawa Island. The owner’s hydrangea dedication began with a gift of two ajisai decades ago, and has now become a celebrated garden of 300,000+ flowers. You’ll also find a cafe serving drinks and homemade sweets in the garden for the perfect end to a day spent among the flowers.
How to Get There: Begin at the Hokubu Godo Chosha mae bus stop in Nago and ride the 70 bus for 30 minutes. Get off at Daini Izumi, then walk about 10 minutes to the garden.
Admission: Adults ¥400, Children ¥200
Address: 1312 Izumi, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0221
