[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fGmH2VayZX8pGCjb1PLNpL0FJFyEJ08wGXI2u16V22yA":3},{"id":4,"createdAt":5,"updatedAt":6,"publishedAt":6,"revisedAt":6,"title":7,"date":8,"body":9},"9875o63stp","2026-06-08T11:41:27.063Z","2026-06-08T12:01:39.326Z","Hydrangea Viewing: 5 Spots in Kyoto City","2026-06-08T12:30:00.000Z","\u003Cp>Hydrangeas, known in Japan as \u003Cem>ajisai\u003C/em>, typically bloom from mid-June to early July and are considered one of the symbols of the beginning of summer. As flowers that thrive in the rain, they are closely associated with Japan’s rainy season. While this period is often overlooked by travelers, it transforms Kyoto into a lush landscape of vibrant greenery and colorful hydrangeas.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Today, we would like to introduce five beautiful spots in Kyoto City where you can enjoy these seasonal blooms. Since hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season, these spots are generally much less crowded than Kyoto's most popular sightseeing destinations during peak travel periods, such as the cherry blossom season, allowing for a more relaxed and memorable visit.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>1. \u003C/strong>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82+%E5%BE%A1%E6%B1%A0%E9%80%9A/@35.0110497,135.7407066,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x600107d26f139e13:0x40d5635c030fc770!8m2!3d35.0110497!4d135.7432815!16s%2Fg%2F121fql_b?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cstrong>Oike Street\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Oike Street is Kyoto's main thoroughfare, running east-west through the heart of the city.\u003Cbr>Hydrangeas bloom profusely on both sides of this busy road. The hydrangeas along Oike Street are characterized not only by their beautiful blue color but also by their early blooming season. They are among the first in Kyoto to reach their peak bloom, usually around the end of May.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cu>Opening hours\u003C/u>: open 24 hours\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>Price\u003C/u>: free admission\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>How to reach from the hotel\u003C/u>: Walk north from the hotel for about 9 minutes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>2. \u003C/strong>\u003Ca href=\"https://chisan.or.jp/en/chishakuin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cstrong>Chishaku-in Temple\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Chishaku-in Temple is located not far from Kyoto Station, making it easily accessible. While known for its temple crest featuring bell flowers, azaleas, and lotus flowers, it also boasts an abundance of hydrangeas.\u003Cbr>The temple grounds are open to the public free of charge, making it a great place to stop by casually.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cu>Opening hours\u003C/u>: 9:00 to 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>Price\u003C/u>: temple grounds: free admission / gardens: 300 yen / Treasure Hall: 500 yen\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>How to reach from the hotel\u003C/u>: Take the bus number 207 from “Shijo Takakura” to “Higashiyama Shichijo”.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>3. \u003C/strong>\u003Ca href=\"https://fujinomorijinjya.or.jp/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cstrong>Fujimori Shrine\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Fujimori Shrine is an ancient shrine known as a shrine of good fortune and academic success. During the Hydrangea Festival held in June, various traditional performances and ceremonies are held, including Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music and dance), Kemari (a traditional Japanese ball game), and Fujimori Taiko drumming.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cu>Opening hours\u003C/u>: 9:00 to 17:00\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>Price\u003C/u>: hydrangea garden: 500 yen\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>How to reach from the hotel\u003C/u>: Take the Karasuma Subway Line from “Shijo Station” to “Kyoto Station”, then take the JR Nara Line to “Fujimori Station”\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>4. \u003C/strong>\u003Ca href=\"http://www.rokunomiya.ecnet.jp/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cstrong>Rokusonno Shrine\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Rokusonno Shrine is a hidden gem for hydrangeas located just over a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station. One of the characteristics of the hydrangeas at Rokusonno Shrine is that they bloom early, so it’s possible to admire them in full bloom already at the beginning of June.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cu>Opening hours\u003C/u>: open 24 hours\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>Price\u003C/u>: free admission\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>How to reach from the hotel\u003C/u>: Take the bus number 207 from “Shijo Takakura” to “Shichijo Omiya – Kyoto Aquarium” and then walk for around 9 minutes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>5. \u003C/strong>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Former+Mitsui+Shimogamo+Villa/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x60010842be02a667:0xc3c7177b68096c98?sa=X&ved=1t:155783&ictx=111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cstrong>Former Mitsui Shimogamo Villa\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Located south of Shimogamo Shrine, the Former Mitsui Shimogamo Villa has been open to the public since 2016 and, in 2018, a hydrangea garden with 400 plants of 10 varieties was established. In mid-June, when the hydrangeas are in full bloom, the garden is open to the public free of charge for two days.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cu>Opening hours\u003C/u>: 9.00 to 16:30\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>Price\u003C/u>: 500 yen (weekdays) / 600 yen (weekends and holidays) /\u003Cbr>※ Free admission to the hydrangea garden is offered for two days in mid-June.\u003Cbr>\u003Cu>How to reach from the hotel\u003C/u>: Take the bus number 3 from “Shijo Takakura” to “Kawaramachi Imadegawa”.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Unlike cherry blossoms or plum blossoms, Kyoto is not particularly known for temples and shrines dedicated to hydrangea viewing. Instead, these colorful flowers can often be found lining quiet streets, brightening local parks, and adding charm to everyday corners of the city. Even if you do not have the opportunity to visit the spots introduced above, you are likely to encounter beautiful hydrangeas during your walks around Kyoto.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>While the rainy season may not be considered the ideal time to visit Kyoto due to its humidity and frequent rainfall, it offers a different side of the city: one that is calmer, greener, and far less crowded. For travelers seeking a more tranquil Kyoto experience, accompanied by the beauty of blooming hydrangeas, this season can be surprisingly rewarding.\u003C/p>",1781411080028]