Where to Admire Hydrangeas in Tokyo: Three Spots Not to Miss
People often think that June is not a good month to visit Japan because it's the rainy season. But for me, it's a source of excitement because it's synonymous with hydrangeas!
Called ajisai (紫陽) in Japanese, these charming flowers colour Tokyo's temples, parks and gardens in large bushes. In this article, I'd like to share with you three amazing places to admire hydrangeas in Tokyo, which are quite different from one another, but all very charming in their own way.
1/ Tamagawadai Park: A Hidden Gem in Tokyo Suburbs
The hydrangea garden of Tamagawadai Park (多摩川台公園), located in Denenchofu, is my favorite spot to admire hydrangeas in Tokyo. Around 3,000 hydrangeas of seven different varieties flower around mid-June along the slopes, pathways and stairs of the park. The garden wasn't crowded when I visited, even though it was on a weekend, and I really had the impression that I'd stumbled upon a secret floral gem in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Access: 1 minute walk from Tamagawa station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line, Meguro Line and Toyoko Line.
After admiring the hydrangeas, you can explore the rest of the park, notably its water botanical garden and seasonal herb garden, visit the nearby Tamagawa Sengen-jinja shrine (a lovely shrine with a great view of Kawasaki) or take a stroll along the Tama River towards Futako-Tamagawa! In my opinion, this is an excellent nature getaway in June, in a quieter, less well-known part of Tokyo!
2/ Asukayama Park: a Hydrangea Road along Train Tracks
Located in northern Tokyo, this beautiful “hydrangea road”, which has approximately 1,300 flowers, runs the length of Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園) along a slope beside the JR Keihin Tohoku line track. It was crowded in some parts when I visited on a Saturday afternoon, but I still enjoyed the walk along the narrow path and the wall of colourful hydrangeas beside me.
Access: 1 minute walk from the nearest train station, Oji station, on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or Namboku Line.
After walking the hydrangea road, you can spend some time in the park itself or, if you want to continue your flower hunt, head to the Kyu-Furukawa garden (12 minute walk from Asukayama Park) to see their roses, as their flowering period coincides with that of the hydrangeas, in June.
3/ Hakusan-jinja Shrine: the Main Site of the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
In early summer, over 3,000 hydrangeas around Hakusan-jinja Shrine (白山神社) and Hakusan Park (白山公園) bloom. A festival, called Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, is held every year to mark the occasion, with decorations and festivities, including a concert and mikoshi (portable shrine) procession. Entry is free.
In 2024, the 40th Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival will take place from 8 to 16 June. You can check the official website of the festival (in Japanese) to know more about the program here.
Access: 3 minute walk from Hakusan station, on the Mita line, 7 minute walk from Hon-Komagome station on the Nanboku Line.
A Few Tips to Enjoy the Hydrangea Season in Tokyo
It’s the rainy season, so always bring an umbrella with you!
Check social media or Google maps for recently published photos to make sure the place you want to visit is in bloom.
Anticipate the crowds and try to visit the most popular places on weekdays or early at the weekend.
Just enjoy walking around your local area to spot the hydrangeas around you. You’ll be surprised how often you come across them.
Other Hydrangea Spots around Tokyo
If you are looking for more spots in Tokyo where you can see hydrangeas in June, I recommend you to read this article by Tsunagu Japan which provides a detailed list of hydrangea spots in Tokyo area with both popular and little-known locations.
I would also highly recommend you to go on a day trip to Kamakura during the hydrangea season. You can read my article “Discover Kamakura’s Hydrangeas: Perfect One-Day Itinerary” if this day trip interests you.
To Conclude
I think going hydrangea hunting can be great fun if you're in Tokyo in June and love flowers.
I particularly like hydrangeas, because they grow in clusters and come in a wide array of colors which I particularly like, including white, pink, blue, purple, and shades in between. I also find that, compared to the hydrangeas I’ve seen in my home country (France), hydrangea bushes are much larger in Japan, turning places into fairytale landscapes. Would you like to go hydrangea hunting?
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