Hydrangea temples of Kamakura

What it is

June is the rainy season in much of Japan, and its flower is the hydrangea, called ajisai. Kamakura, an old temple town an hour south of Tokyo, is the classic place to see it. At Meigetsu-in the approach steps are banked on both sides with hydrangeas of a single clear blue. At Hase-dera a path climbs a hillside planted with many varieties, with views over the town to the sea. The flowers look their best in light rain, when the colours deepen. Hydrangeas were planted at many temples, and the season has become a small counterpart to cherry blossom.

Before you go

• Mid June is usually the peak. Go on a weekday and bring an umbrella.
• Hase-dera may give out timed tickets for the hydrangea path on busy days.
• Do not touch or bend the flower heads for photographs.

The flowers you will see

Bigleaf HydrangeaA Japanese shrub with large pink or blue flower heads that change colour with soilHydrangeaFlowering shrubs with large heads that change color with soil pH

Read more

Meigetsu-inA historic Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura famous for its hydrangea gardens

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