5 Hydrangea Gardens In Tokyo

Don’t let dark clouds ruin your flower viewing! June is the month of hydrangeas in Japan and we’re listing some of the best sites in Tokyo for your very own rainy-day adventure.

Tsuyu (rainy season) in Japan always makes me feel nostalgic. The first time I ever set foot in this country, much of my trip was spent walking in the rain and under cloud cover. Sometimes, I gazed below at the colorful patterned umbrellas dotting the damp streets from high up in a cafe, museum or karaoke room. And perhaps nothing is more reminiscent of the humid and hazy days of early summer than the dewy pastel petals of hydrangea in the Tokyo rain, colors almost blurred like an impressionist painting in the misty air.

The first ajisai (hydrangea) that I saw in Tokyo were roadside ones, but their beauty struck me even when they weren’t gathered together impressively like the ones profiled below. Check out these five especially beautiful hydrangea gardens in the 24 wards for your own magical rainy day walk.

1. Hakusan Shrine (Bunkyo-Ku)

© Photo by Pixta: denkei

If you’re looking for a famous ajisai viewing spot in Tokyo proper, perhaps none are as illustrious as Hakusan Shrine and adjacent Hakusan Park which boast over 3000 hydrangeas in full bloom from mid to late June. The unique juxtaposition between the historic architecture and over twenty varieties of flourishing flowers makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. In particular, aim for mid-month’s Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (June 10th-18th, 2023) which offers lots of fun events for the whole family. Hakusan Shrine, one of Tokyo’s Jissha (10 Shrines) chosen by the Meiji Emperor for peace and protection, is worth a visit as a historic site as well.

2. Tamagawadai Park (Ota-ku)

© Photo by iStock: oasis2me

Just a short walk from Tamagawa station is the lovely Tamagawadai Park. The park spreads along the hills of the Tama River and, on clear days, visitors can catch glimpses of Mount Tanzawa and Mount Fuji. The park itself is vast and hosts a number of attractions, such as a nature trail, an ancient burial ground/tomb and an observation platform. It is also home to an array of plants and gardens, including 300 cherry blossom trees, a seasonal wildflower garden, an aquatic garden and a multitiered hydrangea garden. Here, 3000 ajisai bushes of seven unique varieties bloom gorgeously during the month of June.

3. Asukayama Park (Kita-ku)

© Photo by iStock: Masaaki Ohashi

This park, located in Northern Tokyo, is a delightful respite from the busyness of metropolitan life. Asakayama Park is beloved by locals for its abundant cherry blossoms which number about 700 and bloom during March and April. Although lesser known, the park is also home to about 1300 hydrangea bushes that line a picturesque pathway. The hydrangeas, which bloom in seven colors, blossom during the month of June and are located on the northern end of the park, next to the rail tracks. Inside the park, there are also three small museums, a water play space, a playground, retired model trains and a mini-monorail.

4. Asakusa Choukoku Temple (Taito-ku)

© Photo by iStock: mtreasure

Asakusa is famous for its temples and open-air markets. And, in the month of June, the popular Ikiiki Hydrangea Festival is held at Asakusa’s Choukoku Temple (June 19th and 20th, 2023). At the festival, visitors can enjoy viewing 100 rare and exceptional varieties of hydrangeas that have been gathered from across Japan to celebrate the flowers’ beauty. Here, you can also purchase hydrangeas of several types and colors for about ¥1500 a plant.

5. Kyunaka River Waterside Park (Edogawa-ku/Koto-ku)

© Photo by iStock: Torsakarin

The Kyunaka River Waterside Park stretches an impressive 2767 meters long and includes extensive walking paths. The park is home to 259 sakura trees, making it a famous site for cherry blossom viewing during March and April. Not only does it have sakura, but visitors during the rainy season will behold a magnificent array of hydrangeas located along the river between the JR Sobu Line and Fureai-bashi Bridge. The park is particularly popular for hydrangea photographers drawn by the view of the blooms and water with Tokyo Skytree in the distance. During early June’s (2023 date is undecided as of yet) Kyunaka River Hydrangea Festival, you can even take a cruise boat or canoe along the river for an unusual view of these stunning plants. 

Other Flower Gardens in Tokyo

• 6 Wisteria Gardens In and Around Tokyo
• 5 Rose Gardens In and Around Tokyo
• 5 Sunflower Gardens In and Around Tokyo
• 5 Cosmos Gardens In and Around Tokyo
• 10 Japanese Azalea Gardens In and Around Tokyo

Before leaving home for one of these beautiful parks and gardens, don’t forget to grab your umbrella on the way out! Luckily, rain or shine, these ajisai are every bit worth a special trip.