Embrace the enchanting allure of June in Japan, where vibrant hydrangea blooms adorn Tokyo’s scenic landscapes. Join us as we explore 8 popular hydrangea spots in the heart of the bustling metropolis.
Hakusan Shrine
Hakusan Shrine stands as a significant landmark in Tokyo, tracing its roots back to the 10th century. Beyond its historical allure, it’s a favored destination for admiring hydrangea flowers. Each June, approximately 3,000 vibrant hydrangeas grace its grounds, drawing visitors to this enchanting “hydrangea shrine.” Mark your calendars for the “Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival” from June 8th to 16th, 2024, spanning from the shrine grounds to Hakusan Park—a celebration not to be missed.
Address: 5-31-26 Hakusan, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Kyodo No Mori Museum
Nestled within a sprawling site of approximately 140,000 square meters, Kyodo no Mori Museum offers a serene escape. Here, amidst old farmhouses, townhouses, and historic buildings, visitors can immerse themselves in exhibits showcasing Fuchu’s rich history and natural wonders. But it’s not just history that flourishes here; every June, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry as 10,000 hydrangeas, boasting 30 different varieties, burst into bloom all at once. This year, from June 1st to July 7th, visit the museum to indulge in the beauty of its annual flower festival and escape the bustle of Tokyo.
Address: 6-32 Minamicho, Fuchu, Tokyo
Ueno Park
Ueno Park, Japan’s inaugural urban park, boasts a plethora of attractions nestled within its expansive grounds. From museums and art galleries to cozy cafes, there’s something for everyone here. The park’s natural beauty is a highlight, drawing crowds with its cherry blossoms in spring and lotuses in summer. However, a June visit reveals another delightful sight: hydrangeas adorning the west side of Shinobazu Pond. Take a stroll along the pathway leading to Bentenjima, and you’ll also encounter these charming blooms, adding a touch of serenity to your Ueno Park experience.
Address: Ueno, Taito, Tokyo
Asukayama Park
Asukayama Park is renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms. However, on the park’s north side lies the “Hydrangea Path,” adorned with approximately 1,300 hydrangea bushes. These vibrant blooms are planted along the cliffside, adjacent to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line tracks. As you ascend the stairs to the park, you can enjoy simultaneous views of both the hydrangeas and Asukayama Park. Yet, exercise caution during your stroll, as certain sections of the path may be narrow and challenging to navigate.
Address: 1-1-3 Oji, Kita, Tokyo
Tamagawadai Park
Tamagawadai Park, situated in Ota ward, Tokyo, Japan, is a picturesque public park adorned with two ancient Kofun burial mounds. Noteworthy for its abundant cherry blossom trees, it is equally renowned for its vast array of hydrangea trees. If you visit here from the early to mid-June period, you will be captivated by its full bloom. There are about 4,000 hydrangea bushes comprising seven different varieties. Particularly enchanting are the slopes facing Tamagawa Station, along with the staircases and hillsides, where hydrangeas flourish abundantly.
Address: 1-63-1 Denenchofu, Ota, Tokyo
Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens, steeped in history from the Edo period, beckons with a wealth of attractions. Within its confines, Tokyo’s exclusive seawater pond, fed by the waters of Tokyo Bay, coexists with charming teahouses and a bustling duck farm. Against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers, these traditional elements come alive, offering a dynamic contrast. From mid-May to mid-June, the park bursts to life with approximately 175 hydrangeas, boasting seven vibrant varieties, including Japanese hydrangea and Kashiwaba hydrangea. These blossoms infuse the air with an early summer allure. Concurrently, around 1,000 irises paint the landscape with their vibrant hues, creating a captivating floral panorama. Come and immerse yourself in this unique experience, where you can actively engage with both blooms, a rare treat found only here.
Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo, Tokyo
Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens
Mukaishima Hyakkaen, established in the Edo period as a “privately-owned flower garden,” is designated as both a national scenic beauty spot and a historic site. Despite its relatively compact size, you can still enjoy seasonal flowers such as the bush clover tunnel, trellises adorned with wisteria and three-leaf akebia, and ponds surrounded by blooming irises. From late May to mid-June, approximately 60 hydrangea plants of about 30 varieties, including mountain hydrangea, lace-cap hydrangea, and the rare Sumida no Hanabi, reach their peak bloom.
Address: 3-18-3 Higashimukojima, Sumida, Tokyo
Shiofune Kannon-ji
Known as the “Temple of Flowers and History,” it is mainly famous for its approximately 20,000 colorful azaleas in red, white, pink, and more. However, it is also a beautiful spot to enjoy hydrangeas in June. Along the path from the main gate to the Amida Hall, you will find the rare white Annabelle hydrangeas blooming profusely. In the hydrangea garden as well, Annabelles, along with mountain hydrangeas and oakleaf hydrangeas, bloom, vividly coloring the slopes.
Address: 194 Shiobune, Ome, Tokyo