Jan 25, 2021 - 1 min read

Shimoda Hydrangea Festival

Millions of hydrangeas adorn this mountainside park

Community writer

Hydrangea bloom annually in June in Japan. Hydrangea are called 'ajisai' in Japanese. Coinciding with the bloom period parks and temples hold "ajisai" festivals. Some of these hydrangea festivals are better known than others. Case in point, the Shimoda hydrangea festival in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Shimoda park is located on a small mountain. Approximately three million hydrangeas adorn the mountainside. A picturesque path winds it way through the colorful hydrangeas. You can get a great view of the hydrangeas from the 'top' of the park. During the festival period they frequently have entertainment in the park. They sell potted hydrangeas too. On a sunny day, the park can get quite crowded during the bloom period. However, if you visit on a rainy day, there are generally less visitors.

The hydrangea garden is part of an historic area and larger park with other attractions.

By public transport: The park is about a fifteen minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station on the Izukyu line.

By car: The park is located close to national route 136. The car park near the hydrangea costs ￥500 per day. However, if you are prepared to walk - there is a free car park near the aquarium on the south end of the park.