When you think of the color blue, you might think of the sky or the sea – and in Japan, the color blue was once symbolic of common people as indigo was an easily available natural colorant for clothing. You'll find blue in various other ways in Japan, from shrines that incorporate blue pottery into their grounds, through to blue flowers and even blue buildings. This guide covers five blue destinations in Japan worth visiting.
Unsho-ji Temple, Akita
Unshoji Temple is located in Oga, Akita Prefecture, and has become famous for its spectacular display of blue hydrangeas during Japan's rainy season. The hydrangeas here 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 - 5 7, Kitaurakitaura, Oga, Akita 010-0683
Tozan Shrine, Saga
Arita in Saga Prefecture is often regarded as the birthplace of pottery in Japan. It may not come as a surprise then that one of the shrines in the town is adorned with pottery as far as the eye can see. Tozan Shrine is a fascinating spot to visit, and the ways that they've worked porcelain into many of the shrine's features is incredibly impressive, including the traditional blue and white torii arch.
2 Chome-5-1 Odaru, Arita, Nishimatsuura District, Saga 844-0004
Blue Pond, Hokkaido
Hokkaido's Blue Pond in Biei definitely lives up to its name, and you may be wondering how it has such a distinct hue. The pond is filled from a nearby waterfall which runs down a cliff face packed with aluminum, and the rocks at the bottom of the pond are also bleached courtesy of sulfur – in other words, the water has a blank canvas to reflect off. The wonders of science and nature, combined!
Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235
Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki
You may have seen photos of nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park being pinned on Pinterest or liked on Instagram and thought "is this place real, or is it a photoshop job?" - it's one of those images you see and just gasp at how unreal the beauty of it is. Often known by their other name of baby blue eyes, nemophila bloom at the park from mid-April through to mid-May, and the park bustles with visitors during this time.
605-4 Onuma-aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012
Old Public Hall, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Accented with sunny yellow, the pastel blue Old Public Hall in Hakodate was built in 1910 and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Heading inside the hall will set you back ¥ 300, but it allows you to soak up some stunning views out over the city.
11-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054
