Discover Two Stunning Hydrangea Spots Near Mt. Fuji by Lake Kawaguchiko
In this short article, I'm going to share with you two spectacular hydrangea spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture, near Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko, 河口湖). If you're planning to explore Fujikawaguchiko to see Mount Fuji in summer and you're also a flower lover looking for places to admire hydrangeas during your stay, then read on!
1/ Yagizaki Park
Yagizaki Park (八木崎公園) is a lakeside park with Mt. Fuji views and a grassland. Known in summer for its lavender field, it is more peaceful than other parks around Kawaguchiko (such as Oike Park).
During my visit in mid-June, I was lucky enough to discover that there was also a dense and splendid hydrangea garden in full bloom. With Mt. Fuji on one side and the lake on the other, the setting was utterly magical. As you can see on the pictures below, it was truly a feast for the eyes.
When to See the Hydrangeas: June (as a reference, pictures were taken on June 18, 2023).
How to Get There: From Kawaguchiko station, take the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus bound for Saiko lake (Green Line) and stop at Yagizaki park bus stop.
2/ Tenjoyama Park
Tenjoyama Park (天上山公園) is a hillside park near Lake Kawaguchi that includes a hiking trail, a ropeway and observation platforms with views of Mt. Fuji.
In summer, from mid-July to late August, visitors who decide to walk up or down the park instead of taking the ropeway will be rewarded with the magnificent sight of a hundred thousand hydrangeas blooming on the slopes of Mt. Tenjo.
Unfortunately for me, the hydrangeas weren't yet in bloom when I visited in mid-June, but I was excited to discover this place and I'm happy to share it with other flower lovers who would be lucky enough to be there at the right time.
Map of the Hydrangea Route at Tenjoyama Park
The hiking path, which is called “Hydrangea Route”, starts next to Tenjoyama Gokoku Shrine (天上山護国神社).
Entrance to Gokoku Shrine
Hiking path
The panoramic view of Mt. Fuji at the Nakabadaira Observatory (ナカバ平展望広場) was wonderful. There were a few hydrangeas that were just starting to bloom.
Mt Fuji View at Nakabadaira Observatory
I was alone at the observatory, most people preferring to take the ropeway to the top of Tenjoyama park.
Indeed, if you don't want to do the hike in both directions, you can take the ropeway on the way up and hike down on the way back. The ropeway costs ¥600 (¥1,000 for a round-trip ticket).
When to See the Hydrangeas: July to August
How to Get There: From Kawaguchiko station, walk 12 minutes to the start of the hydrangea route at Tenjoyama Gokoku Shrine or 15 minutes to Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (河口湖 富士山パノラマロープウェイ).
To Conclude
While some people don't like the rainy season in Japan in June, I always look forward to this month of the year because it's synonymous with hydrangeas. I was delighted to discover these two hydrangea spots on my last trip to Kawaguchiko in June.
I'll be writing more articles about Fujikawaguchiko (things to do, where to stay, lesser-known places...) in the future, so if you're interested, make sure you sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they're published. 💌
Are you looking for more hydrangea spots to see in Japan in summer? You may want to read my article Where to Admire Hydrangeas in Tokyo: Three Spots Not to Miss.
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