9 Best Hydrangea Experiences Near Tokyo

Written by Carey Finn

Researched by Aarohi Narain

June is the best time to see hydrangeas in Japan. You’ll see bursts of blue and pink ajisai all around the country, including the capital. Here are some of our favorite spots to see this underrated summer flower around Tokyo.

Did you know? The color of a hydrangea is largely determined by the pH of the soil. A more acidic pH results in blue blooms, while more alkalinity fetches pink flowers.

Hasedera hydrangea flowers in June — Photo by Chris Kirkland

1. Kamakura Hasedera Temple Hydrangea Path

June 7-22, may be extended

Hasedera Temple, Kamakura

Tickets cost ¥500, advance reservations recommended

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One of the most famous spots to see hydrangeas near Tokyo, the Hasedera Hydrangea Path in Kamakura is a visual treat. You can look forward to more than 2,500 hydrangeas, encompassing an impressive 40 different varieties.

Due to the popularity of the place, advance reservations are highly recommended. See our event listing for more details on how to secure an entry ticket.

Kamakura Hasedera Temple Hydrangea Path

Dates:Jun 7–Jun 22, 2025

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥500
Children:
Advance sales: ¥200

Venue:

Hasedera Temple

2. Hakone Hydrangea Train

June 14-30

Hakone Tozan Railway

Tickets cost ¥500 plus base fare, advance reservations recommended

A very special rail experience indeed, the annual Hydrangea Train runs between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station every night in the second half of June. The cool little mountain train meanders along illuminated stretches of track, giving passengers a chance to get up-close views of the hydrangeas that grow alongside.

Hakone Hydrangea Train

Hydrangea and mountain climbing train hakone

Dates:Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥500
Children:
Advance sales: ¥250

Venue:

Hakone-Yumoto Station

3. Hydrangea Festival at Yokohama English Garden

May 26 to June 29

Yokohama English Garden

¥1,000 — buy tickets online

Next on our list of top hydrangea spots around Tokyo is the elegant Yokohama English Garden, which puts on an undoubtedly Instagram-worthy show of hydrangeas and umbrellas. It’s not the biggest or most spacious venue, but it is pretty.

The garden is about 10 minutes on foot from Hiranumabashi Station. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs from the west exit of Yokohama Station. More info.

4. Kaisei Ajisai Festival

June 7-15

Kaisei Hydrangea Village, Kaisei

Free

You’ll find 5,000 hydrangeas against a backdrop of rice paddies at this lesser-known festival in Kanagawa. The easiest access point is Kaisei Station on the Odakyu Line, which is around 1 hour 20 minutes from Shinjuku (take the Romance Car if you can). From there, you can hop on a ¥220 shuttle bus to the event — these run every 20 minutes during the festival period. More info.

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Multi color hydrangea — Photo by Jane Pipkin

5. Akigawa Valley Hydrangea Festival

June 7 to July 6

Akigawa Valley, Akiruno

¥1,000 for an all-access ticket, cheaper for single-venue entry

Possibly the number-one place to see hydrangeas near Tokyo, Akigawa Valley boasts an incredible 30,000 hydrangeas spread across two sites. Included in the mix are some rare varieties.

Check out the “Wonderful Nature Village Ajisai”, which is near Tokyo Summerland, for 15,000 hydrangeas, and Minamisawa Hydrangea Mountain for another 15,000.

Wonderful Nature Village is probably the easier to access of the two, as there is a free shuttle bus that runs from Tokyo Summerland. Regardless of the venue you pick, you’re looking at a good hour and a half to two hours from central Tokyo. More info.

blue hydrangeas — Hydrangeas in Kamakura. | Photo by Lily Crossley-Baxter

6. Sōgo Reidō Hydrangea Festival

June 1-22

Tōshō-ji Sōgo-Reidō, Narita

Free

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This is a local festival that’s been going for 20 years now. The Buddhist temple Tōshō-ji Sōgo Reidō in Narita is home to 7,000 hydrangeas, which can be found in a dedicated garden. Throughout the festival period, there are special events like traditional music performances, tea ceremony, and farmers’ markets.

The temple is about 20 minutes by foot from the west exit of Keisei Sogo-Sando Station. More info.

7. Iris and Hydrangea Festival in Machida

May 31 to June 29

Yakushiike Park, Machida

Free

A 15-20 minute bus ride from Machida Station, you’ll find close to 6,000 hydrangeas in bloom at Yakushiike Park. You’ll also find over 2,000 irises, which typically flower first.

This is a quiet, relatively unknown park among tourists. It has a beautiful pond, and makes for a relaxing outing. More info (in Japanese).

Keio train and hydrangea — Photo by Jane Pipkin

8. Fuchū Hydrangea Festival

May 31 to July 6

Kyōdo no Mori Historical Museum, Fuchū

¥300

Another hidden hydrangea gem, this forest museum in Fuchū has 10,000 hydrangeas for you to admire. You can also partake in tea ceremony on weekends during the festival period.

The museum is about 20 minutes on foot from Fuchū-Honmachi Station and Bubaigawara Station. There are also buses that stop at the museum, so access is fairly easy. More info.