If you ask me, the rainy season is worst in Japan – hot and very humid. It is not the best time for tourists to be in Japan, or even for us locals to go out. Nevertheless, the rainy season has its own unique charms. And one of those is viewing hydrangeas or Ajisai アジサイ. These vividly-colored Japanese flowers are known as the symbol of Tsuyu or the rainy season and only bloom during this wet time of the year. Hydrangea has been represented well in Japanese history, be it paintings or kimono fabrics. When hydrangea begins their bloom, their color gradually changes from white to light green to purple or pink or blue – depending on the pH (acid or alkaline) of the soil and the time elapsed after blooming. That is why hydrangea depicts inconstancy, change of mind, pride, frigidity, and so on. However, their beauty will surely liven up your day and take away all the blue feelings that the rain may have brought with it.

Here are 3 spots where you can admire hydrangea in Tokyo:

Hakusan Shrine 白山神社

During the rainy season, the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival is held at Hakusan Shrine, famous for its hydrangea gardens; although it was canceled this year due to Covid-19. Roughly three thousand hydrangeas are in full bloom at this shrine, every year. Hakusan Shrine is also one of the most important shrines in Tokyo and was built in the 8th century to pray for a remedy for smallpox. The shrine is designated as an important cultural property by the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo.

Access: A 3-minute walk from Hakusan Shrine on the Toei Mita Subway Line or a 5-minute walk from Honkomagome station on the Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line

Website: http://www.tokyo-jinjacho.or.jp/bunkyo/5901/

Symbol Promenade Park, Odaiba シンボルプロムナード公園

When hydrangeas bloom, the gardens and paths in Odaiba are covered in different shades of these beautiful flowers and it feels magical. Many hydrangeas are planted there which brightens up the area and adds a beautiful atmosphere to this otherwise quiet part of the city. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk through the paths surrounded by flowers. They mainly have white, blue, and pink hydrangeas and many of them are scattered in the gardens behind the malls and near the promenade.

Access: 1-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on Rinkai Line

Website: http://www.tptc.co.jp/park/01_04/point#p-cont08

Symbol Promenade Park, Odaiba シンボルプロムナード公園

Vivalahighstreet

Symbol Promenade Park, Odaiba シンボルプロムナード公園

Vivalahighstreet

tokyo fashion blogger

Vivalahighstreet

Tamagawadai Park 多摩川台公園

A really beautiful and quiet spot in the city to enjoy these flowers is Tamagawadai Park, which is famous for its vast hydrangea garden. You can walk through the gardens with about 3,500 hydrangea bushes of seven distinct and different varieties, varying shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. I went there early in the season, so there were hardly any people around, however, every year, many people go there to see these flowers and also to visit Tamagawa-sengen Shrine, situated near this garden.

Access: A 1-minute walk from Tamagawa station on Tokyu Tamagawa and Tokyu Toyoko lines

Website: http://www.city.ota.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/park/tamagawadai.html