Four Must-Visit Hydrangea (Embroidered Ball Flower) Spots in Tokyo and Its Suburb!
The world of cherry blossoms has gone with April, while upcoming July will see hydrangeas in full bloom. Hydrangea blossoms can be white, pink, red, blue or purple; the gorgeous blossoms look like embroidered balls, so they are nicknamed "embroidered ball flowers”. When the rainy season starts in late June, different shapes of blossoms wet with dew will be amazingly beautiful. Here Four must-visit hydrangea spots in Tokyo and its suburb are recommended to enthusiasts of photography!
★Four Hydrangea Spots in Tokyo and its Suburb ★as Recommended by the Editors
Takahata Fudo-son Temple in Hino, Tokyo
Situated in Hino, Tokyo, Takahata Fudo-son Temple is one of the three biggest Acala (Fudo) temples in the Kanto region and also one of the few remarkable hydrangea sites in Tokyo Metropolis. Over 7,500 hydrangeas of around 200 varieties grow wild in the broad Temple. A hydrangea festival is held annually from early June to early July, when hydrangeas are in bloom.
Hondo-ji Temple in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture
Hondo-ji Temple, located in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, was built in 1277. Every June around 50,000 hydrangeas of over 10 varieties come into glorious bloom, which earns the Temple a reputation as a "hydrangea temple". At present, the fame of Hondo-ji Temple hasn’t spread far and wide, so you can leisurely enjoy the beauty of blossoms without worrying about crowds.
Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park in Bunkyo, Tokyo
Situated in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Hakusan Shrine and its neighboring Hakusan Park boast more than 3,000 hydrangeas. A hydrangea festival is held in mid-June every year. Although three thousand is not be a big number, there are quite a few rare varieties!
During the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, Fujidzuka, which is an artificial mound made in the image of Mt. Fuji and normally closed to the public, will be open to visitors as well. You will find both sides of the narrow paths on the mound nearly shrouded by numerous hydrangeas.
Meigetsu-in in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Located in Kamakura (an ancient capital), Meigetsu-in is planted with thousands of blue hydrangeas. When they are in full bloom, the Temple seems immersed in a romantic sea of blue flowers, and hence the Temple is affectionately called the "Temple of Hydrangeas" (ajisai-dera). Every year, attracted by the idyllic scene, a great number of people flock to admire the beauty and return with great satisfaction & delight.
