I have something controversial to say: the sakura isn’t my favourite flower season in Japan. For me, nothing beats hydrangea (or ajisai) season, especially in Tokyo, where there are some of the best hydrangea gardens and temples in the world.
In this post, I’m sharing the five top places in Tokyo to enjoy the hydrangea season, as well as how to get to them. I’ve visited every location on this list at least once (some of them many more), and can personally promise some of the most beautiful ajisai blooms you’ll see throughout the whole of Japan.
Keep reading to learn…
Five Best Hydrangea Gardens and Temples in Tokyo
Walking through just about any part of Tokyo during the ajisai season is likely to bring you bright and beautiful hydrangeas, but here are five of my personal favourite places to see hydrangeas:
1. Tamagawadai Park, Denenchofu
Too few know that less than 20 minutes from Shibuya is the beautiful Tamagawa (tama river), along which sits Tamagawadai Park. The park is worth a visit year-round thanks to the beautiful river views, woodland paths, and wonderful little pond, however, there is no better time to explore Tamagawadai Park than the ajisai season.
This riverside park has a dedicated hydrangea garden, which springs to life each June. One side of the garden is a hill that transforms to become a waterfall of blue ajisai flowers, with the cascade continuing across the park.
The flowers make the perfect frame for the picturesque train and river view below making this a not-to-be-missed hydrangea viewing spot in Tokyo.
How to Get There: Ride the Tōyoko line south from Shibuya for 20 minutes to Tamagawa Station.
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-63-1 Denenchofu, Ota City, Tokyo 145-0071
2. Rikugien Gardens, Kita City
Slightly north of central Tokyo is Rikugien Gardens, a park designated as one of the two great gardens of Edo. It has existed since the late 1600s, but only opened to the public in 1953. Created around an enchanting pond, the garden has enchanting hills, sculptural stone, and a spectacular hydrangea bloom.
With more than 1,000 flowers and three centuries of architectural gardening secrets, a stroll through Rikugien during the ajisai season is as close to time travel as one might get in Tokyo. There is a small entry cost, but this is well made up for by the impeccable care taken of every aspect of this park.
How to Get There: Hop on the Yamanote line to Komagome Station, then walk eight minutes south to the Rikugien Main Gate.
Admission: Adults, ¥300
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
3. Takahata Fudoson, Hino
Ride the Keio line half an hour from Shinjuku to Takahatafudo Station and discover my all-time favourite place to wander through the hydrangeas.
This Buddhist temple boasts over 1,000 years of history, and sparkles that little bit more every June and July thanks to the thousands of hydrangeas that adorn the temple grounds.
Spend an hour exploring the expansive Sengohyaku Rakan (small Buddha statues) lined paths through 200 varieties of ajisai. From huge blue bulbs to delicate star-shaped white flowers, Takahara Fudoson will take your breath away.
How to Get There: From Shinjuku, catch the Keio line toward Keio-Hachioji and ride for 30 minutes to Takahatafudo Station.
Cost: Free
Address: 733 Takahata, Hino, Tokyo 191-0031
4. Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura
Okay, not technically in Tokyo, but as Kamakura is only an hour from Shinjuku, I think it counts as around Tokyo. And a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura is well worth that hour, trust me.
Meigetsuin Temple is sometimes referred to as Ajisaidera (Hydrangea Temple) due to its ethereal appearance every June and July. A blanket of delicate flowers covers the temple, grounds, and surrounding streets every ajisai season. There are thousands of blooms in every colour and variety imaginable.
Be aware, this is a very popular spot during June, so make sure to come early and ideally on a weekday to escape the crowds.
How to Get There: Ride the local Shonan-Shinjuku line from Shinjuku to Kita-Kamakura Station, then walk eight minutes south along the track and turn left onto Meigetsu Street.
Admission: ¥500 during hydrangea season, or ¥300 for regular admission
Address: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
5. Shinjuku Chuo Coen, Shinjuku
Easy to stop by, Shinjuku Chuo Coen is located right below the Tocho Metropolitan building. The park is always filled with families, cute dogs, and even turtles, with ‘Ajisai Road’ adorably signposted with designs from the local school.
The path adorned with brightly coloured explosive hydrangeas is an amazing photo location and the perfect place from which to enjoy a picnic in the park. Pick up a coffee from one of Shinjuku’s best cafes, lunch from a konbini, and revel in a moment of peace within the city.
How to Get There: Walk 15 minutes west of Shinjuku exit B18, or ride the Oedo line to Tochomae Station and take exit A5.
Admission: Free
Address: 2 Chome-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Working From Japan This Summer?
Working from Tokyo is one of the best experiences you can have. From endless work-friendly cafes to beautiful Tokyo day trips, there’s so much to explore, do, and see in this amazing country.
Check out some of my other guides to working remotely below:
Gone Travelling Productions 
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