The Hydrangea (紫陽花, アジサイ, ajisai ) is a popular flower in Japan. Native hydrangea varieties have been mentioned in Japanese written records from the 8th century, while European varieties were introduced in the early 20th century. Hydrangeas typically bloom during the rainy season in June and July. Making them a symbol and the most popular flower of the season. Which generally sees considerably less flowers than the preceding spring season.
There are over 100 varieties of hydrangeas of various colors in Japan today. Include those that bloom into balls of flowers and those whose flowers surround a bald patch. Relatively easy to grow, hydrangeas are commonly seen in parks and private gardens. Some temples are known for their hydrangea gardens. And are popular places to see large numbers of flowers in a picturesque setting. Note that the flowers are often cut prematurely to ensure a good flowering in the following year.
My favorite places near Kyoto are :
Yoshiminedera Temple
30 minutes by bus from Mukomachi (JR Tokaido Line) or Higashi Mukomachi (Hankyu Kyoto Line) stations Yoshiminedera Temple is a temple in the mountains in the outskirts west of central Kyoto. Thousands of hydrangeas line the slopes of the garden at the northern end of the temple grounds. The ajisai season at Yoshiminedera Temple is typically from mid-June to early July.
Sanzenin Temple
25 minutes by bus from Kokusaikaikan Station (Karasuma Subway Line), followed by a 10-minute walk from the bus stop Sanzenin is a temple in the rural town of Ohara, which is popular for its autumn colors. The temple has a hydrangea garden past the main building and the moss garden. The ajisai season here is typically around mid-June to early July.
Umenomiya Taisha
10-minute walk from Matsuo Taisha Station, Hankyu Arashiyama Line Umenomiya Taisha is a quiet shrine in western Kyoto. A paid garden surrounds the northern half of the shrine grounds and is filled with seasonal flora. About 60 varieties of hydrangeas can be found in the garden that results in an extended viewing season from late May to July with the peak of the season around mid-June. The bulk of the ajisai can be found in the northern end of the garden, closer to the plum grove.
