Hydrangeas are a highlight of rainy season, and the Tohoku region is home to some fantastic destinations to appreciate their ethereal beauty. This guide covers five of them – keep them in mind for your future adventures in the area!
Michinoku Ajisai Garden, Iwate
The Michinoku Ajisai Garden is a real treat for nature lovers. The 30,000 hydrangeas here line a two kilometer-long walking path located in a cedar forest, creating a tranquil, almost mysterious-feeling environment. The season for hydrangeas here typically runs from late June until late July, and you can see what to expect in the YouTube video below.
111 Harasawa, Maikawa, Ichinoseki City, Iwate, 021-0221
Unshoji Temple, Akita
Unshoji Temple is located in Oga, Akita Prefecture, and has gained fame for its spectacular display of hydrangeas during rainy season. The hydrangeas were nurtured over a 15 year timeframe by the deputy chief priest of the temple, and his hard work paid off - when the flowers are in bloom here the scene is nothing short of magical.
Kitaura−57, Kitaurakitaura, Oga, Akita, 010-0683
Ajisai Road, Aomori
Stretching out over approximately 15 kilometers along Prefectural Road 281 from Cape Tappi to the Minmaya Station area, Aomori's Ajisai Road is lined with hydrangeas which are typically at their best around the late July to early August timeframe. The road is also a popular cycling destination at this time of year.
Minmaya Higashimachi, Sotogahama, Higashitsugaru District, Aomori 030-1737
Higashiyama Park Hydrangea Forest, Yamagata
An impressive 45,000 hydrangeas in over 30 varieties fill the grounds of Yamagata's Higashiyama Park during early July, adding a wonderful dose of color to this popular local spot. The flowers are so beloved in this corner of Japan that they've been named the official flower of Shinjo City.
1399 Kanazawa, Shinjō, Yamagata 996-0002
Korin-ji Temple, Fukushima
Known as the hydrangea temple, the precincts of Fukushima's Korin-ji Temple are dotted with some 5,000 hydrangea plants in around 20 different types. The pretty flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white are typically at their best here from late June to mid-July.
Nishita-1 Ota, Nihommatsu, Fukushima 964-0111
