June in Japan is considered to be the rainy season. Even though it’s a relatively short season before summer kicks in, it doesn’t have many major festivals or cultural events. However, this is also the time to see many seasonal flowers that brighten up gray days. One such flower which is synonymous with the rainy season in Japan is hydrangea (ajisai in Japanese). Hydrangeas look especially beautiful on cloudy or rainy days with drops of water sparkling on the petals. Today, we introduce some hydrangea viewing spots in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Odaiba Marine Park (お台場海浜公園)
When you think of Odaiba, the first images that come to mind are that of Gundam or the small-scale Statue of Liberty. Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Marine Park) is a large park in Odaiba by the sea. It is a popular dating spot, and there is also a wide area where you can enjoy photographing hydrangeas.
Both sides of the stairs leading to the park are filled with hydrangeas. The flower beds are divided into white, lavender, or blue flowers.
Many people came out to take pictures of the gorgeous hydrangeas in the garden.
If you plan to take your own photos with the hydrangea in the background, wear something white to stand out.
One of the most popular things that pet owners do each season is bring their dogs to these scenic spots. Check out this pooch who looks like he is used to being photographed.
The side with blue hydrangea is also very beautiful. Many people squat in front of the short bushes to take photographs.
Perhaps dogs are of the perfect height, after all.
You can also take photos of hydrangeas paired with Odaiba’s iconic rainbow Ferris wheel.
Access: Odaiba Marine Park Station (お台場海浜公園) on the Yurikamome Line. Alternatively, get off at Tokyo Teleport Station or Kokusai-tenjijō Station (Tokyo Big Sight) on the Rinkai Line.
Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園)
A relatively unknown spot, Asukayama Koen (Asukayama Park) is just a stone’s throw away from Oji Station (王子駅). Even though the park is located on a gentle hill, the best spots to see hydrangeas are at the bottom along the railway tracks.
This spot is particularly popular among train enthusiasts, as you can take some unique photos of hydrangeas and trains.
Hydrangeas bloom along the railroad tracks known as Hydrangea Road, which is about 350 meters long.
There are up to 1,300 hydrangea plants here that bloom between early to mid-June.
This hydrangea viewing spot is quite popular among Japanese photographers. You can find a lot of people with cameras walking around here.
You can find a variety of colors as well as some that have variegated petals. A must-visit if you’re in Tokyo in June!
Access: Oji Station (王子駅) on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line or JR Keihin Tohoku Line
Tamagawadai Park (多摩川台公園)
Tamagawadai Park is located at Tamagawa Station on the Toyoko Line. This park has so many hydrangeas that it can be called a Hydrangea Garden!
This is a map of the park.
As you can see the park expands over a wide area. In addition to hydrangeas, there are many kinds of flowers to enjoy in each season.
There are more than 3,000 hydrangea plants here, and therefore, it is aptly named Hydrangea Garden.
No matter where you look, you’ll be dazzled by the many varieties of hydrangeas.
Many people visit this spot in June. The park is dotted with benches for you to sit and relax with a view of hydrangeas. How about bringing a book and enjoying a day with this view?
There are seven varieties of hydrangea in this garden.
So many photo opportunities that you might never want to leave!
Access: Tamagawa Station (多摩川) on the Toyoko Line
Any idea for trip in a rainy seasons?
So if you plan a trip to Tokyo in June or early summer, don’t miss out on the beautiful sight of hydrangeas in full bloom!
