North of Kyoto City, Mimurotoji Temple is situated in the city of Uji. It's conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Mimurodo Station. Once you pass through the temple gates, you'll step into the expansive 1.65-hectare (4-acre) grounds. Within, you'll discover a serene traditional Japanese rock garden, a picturesque pond, and vast fields.

This hydrangea garden is renowned for its impressive collection, boasting one of the largest varieties of hydrangeas in the Kansai region. With approximately 100 different species and an astonishing 20,000 hydrangea plants, it offers a captivating sight to behold.

The garden showcases various species, including Western hydrangeas, French hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and the mesmerizing mountain hydrangea, also known as the hydrangea of dreams. As you wander through the cedar grove, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking landscape adorned with colorful flowers, reminiscent of a captivating picture scroll.

The Jizo statues, revered as protective deities for travelers and children, hold a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people. Among them, the Yata Jizo is particularly well-known and enshrined at Yatadera Temple, where the Life-prolonging Jizo Bosatsu is also worshipped.

Situated on the mid-slope of the Yata Hills, north of Koriyama in Nara Prefecture, this temple can be reached by a 20-minute bus ride from Kintetsu-Koriyama Station.

Within the spacious temple grounds, you'll encounter the main hall, a lecture hall, the Amida hall (housing an image of the Amitabha Buddha), and the Enmado hall (containing a sculpture of Enma, the god of the dead). Alongside the principal Jizo deities, the temple also preserves numerous valuable cultural assets.

Moreover, Yatadera is renowned as a hydrangea temple. Since their initial planting in 1965, hydrangeas have bloomed each year in mid-May. With approximately 60 species and 1,000 hydrangea plants, the temple grounds showcase a splendid variety. The optimal time to admire them is from early June to early July. The sight of vibrant hydrangeas encircling the Jizo statues offers a serene and comforting ambiance.

Located in Sakurai City, in the southern region of Nara Prefecture, Hasedera Temple can be reached with a short 15-minute walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Railway.

This temple serves as the head temple of the Shingon Sect Buzan School, which has a network of approximately 3,000 temples across the country. Notably, the main hall houses the revered Eleven-Faced Bodhisattva Kannon statue, designated as a national treasure.

Recognized as the Temple of Flowers since ancient times, Hasedera Temple offers captivating scenery throughout the year, including cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

The prime time to admire the hydrangeas blanketing the temple grounds is from mid-June to mid-July. With around 3,000 hydrangea plants, the collection includes species such as Western and French hydrangeas.

Moreover, visitors have the opportunity to traverse a 399-step enclosed corridor known as a nobiriro (an important cultural property). Adorned with hanging round lanterns, the nobiriro begins at the Niomon, a Buddhist temple gate guarded by two statues.

Aside from its serene ambiance, Hasedera Temple offers other remarkable highlights, such as the wintertime view from the nobiriro and the springtime display of peonies, adding to its refined atmosphere.

Situated in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, Tanshu Kannonji Temple is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Isa Station on the JR Line.

Renowned as the oldest hydrangea temple in the Kansai region, this temple takes pride in its connection to the region's famous seasonal flowers.

Notably, Tanshu Kannonji Temple holds the distinction of being the first fudasho (temples where amulets are distributed) in the pilgrimage route of the 25 Sacred Sites of Floral Temples in the Kansai Region. These sacred sites are spread across six prefectures in Kansai.

Moreover, the temple grounds are adorned with approximately 100 varieties and 10,000 blooming hydrangea flowers. Often referred to as a flower paradise, visitors can revel in the captivating sight of white, blue, purple, and pink blooms that embellish the temple.

During the months of June and July, hydrangeas envelop the pathway starting from the Niomon gate, as well as the route leading to the Shichikanon—depicting the seven forms of Avalokitesvara.

The best time to visit is from early June to early July, and there is an annual hydrangea festival held on the fourth Saturday of June.

Situated in the picturesque village of Ohara, north of Kyoto City, you'll find Sanzenin Temple nestled amidst abundant natural surroundings. This temple holds the distinction of being one of the Monzeki temples, where members of the imperial family would undertake their priesthood within the Tendai sect of Buddhism.

To reach Sanzenin Temple, you can take a train to either Kyoto Station on the JR Line or Kokusaikaikan Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway. From there, you can board a bus to the Ohara bus stop and enjoy a ten-minute stroll to the temple's entrance.

During the period from mid-June to mid-July, more than 1,000 hydrangea plants burst into glorious bloom at Sanzenin Temple. Particularly, you'll find a vibrant display in front of the Hall of Golden Acalanatha, also known as the Konjiki-Fudo-do.

Starting with the nettle-leaved hydrangeas that grace the scenery in mid-June, you'll encounter various other species, including the distinctively star-shaped bluebird mountain hydrangea, the tea of heaven hydrangea, and the French hydrangea. These captivating flowers continue to enchant visitors even after July.

Once you step foot inside the temple's beautiful and lush grounds, we highly recommend taking a moment to explore the serene ornamental pond garden known as the Shuheki-en Garden and the enchanting Yusei-en Garden. Additionally, gazing upon the gentle-looking Jizo statue named Warabe Jizo will bring about a soothing sense of tranquility.

Situated in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, within the Hokusetsu area, Kyuanji Temple is conveniently accessible with a 15-minute bus ride from Hankyu Railway's Ikeda Station. Spanning over an expansive area of 6.6 hectares (16 acres), the temple offers a delightful array of beautiful flowers throughout the seasons.

In addition to its renowned hydrangeas, Kyuanji Temple showcases other captivating blooms such as peonies, azaleas, and lotuses. Within the temple's spacious grounds, you'll discover a variety of hydrangea species, including French hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and shooting star hydrangeas.

In total, there are five distinct varieties and approximately 1,000 hydrangea plants adorning the landscape. These enchanting flowers come into full bloom from June to July. Furthermore, during the middle to the end of June, you can witness a unique display where hydrangeas are placed in the pond in front of the main hall, creating a picturesque scene as the vibrant flowers gracefully float on the water's surface.

Situated near Minoyama in northern Osaka, Katsuoji Temple is nestled within the Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park. To reach this serene location, you can take a 30-minute bus ride from Senri-Chuo Station or drive for approximately ten minutes from Minoo Station on the Hankyu Railway.

With a history spanning 1,300 years, Katsuoji Temple is renowned as the temple of winning luck. Throughout the temple grounds, you'll find Daruma dolls, traditional Japanese dolls symbolizing perseverance, luck, and success, which are offered as a token of prayer.

The prime time to witness the splendid hydrangea blooms is from early June to early July. Within the vast 26.4 hectares (65 acres) of temple grounds, approximately 1,000 species of hydrangea plants flourish. Among them, you'll encounter varieties such as the tea of heaven hydrangea, the French hydrangea, and the hydrangea involucrata.

Additionally, don't miss the serene ambiance surrounding Kannon-ike (Kannon Pond), as well as the captivating scenery of flowers lining the pathways and stone steps leading to the main hall.

Located north of Lake Biwa, Lake Yogo is renowned as the setting of Japan's Swan Maiden folktale, where eight celestial maidens transform into swans and descend into the lake. It is also celebrated as one of the Eight Picturesque Sights of Kohoku.

From June to early July, approximately 10,000 hydrangea flowers bloom around the lake, embraced by the surrounding mountains. Encompassing an area of 600 square meters, the striking contrast between the vibrant blossoms and the tranquil lake creates a breathtaking sight. It is a delightful opportunity to immerse oneself in the refreshing scenery of early summer.

Just four kilometers north of the park lies Zenchoji Temple, another renowned destination adorned with hydrangeas. If you have access to a car, it is convenient to visit both of these locations. Lake Yogo Hydrangea Garden is a pleasant 35-minute walk from Yogo Station. Additionally, we highly recommend renting a bike at the train station and cycling along the lakeside, adding an enjoyable twist to your exploration.

The Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park is easily accessible via a roughly 45-minute bus ride from Sannomiya. This expansive park offers numerous vantage points for visitors to enjoy.

Awaji Island takes pride in being one of the leading regions in terms of the number and variety of hydrangeas found in the Kansai area. From mid-June to early July, Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park comes alive with approximately 14,000 hydrangea plants representing 20 different species. One highly recommended viewing spot is the park's sky terrace, offering a breathtaking panorama of the sea and sky.

The park showcases a splendid array of bigleaf hydrangeas, French hydrangeas, Anabelle hydrangeas with their exquisite large white petals, and double-petaled shooting star hydrangeas, each captivating in their unique beauty. These and many more enchanting varieties can be found throughout the park.

During the hydrangea season, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a delightful hydrangea tour aboard the Yume Hachi Go tram car. For a budget-friendly price of 300 yen (including tax), you can enjoy unlimited rides with a one-day ticket, exploring the scenic wonders of the park.

Situated approximately 25 minutes away by car from the urban districts of Kobe, the Kobe Municipal Arboretum is nestled within the enchanting Mt. Rokko. It stands as one of the renowned destinations in the country for hydrangea enthusiasts.

The blooming season begins in early June with nettle-leaved hydrangeas, followed by the mountain hydrangea, famously referred to as the hydrangea of dreams, gracing the landscape in mid-June. As the month draws to a close, mountain hydrangeas take their turn, while a captivating sea of white Anabelle hydrangeas emerges in mid-July. Another native species to the arboretum, the Beni-gaku hydrangeas, bloom in early July.

From late July to early August, visitors can witness the mesmerizing hydrangea involucrata, characterized by buds reminiscent of ping-pong balls. Throughout the period from June to early August, the arboretum offers a stunning display of 25 species, 350 varieties, and approximately 50,000 hydrangea plants.

A visit to the Kobe Municipal Arboretum during this time guarantees a delightful experience immersed in the diverse beauty of hydrangeas that grace the enchanting surroundings.

・Event: Forest Hydrangea Workshop
You can learn about the homeland, types, and basic characteristics of hydrangeas. This event requires advance registration and will be conducted through a lottery system.
・Event period: May 28, June 11, July 1, July 30, 2023
・Hours: 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The colors of hydrangeas that bloom during the rainy season vary based on the acidity levels of the soil. In addition to exploring the ancient temples, we highly recommend appreciating the striking contrast in flower colors that thrive in diverse regions.

*When the flowers bloom, the best time to see them, as well as event dates and content are all subject to change.
*This article was originally published in May 2021 and updated in May 2024 For the latest information, please refer to each official website.