Hydrangeas, or ajisai in Japanese, are beloved flowers that bloom profusely during the rainy season, typically in June. These flowers exhibit vibrant hues of blue, pink, and purple, creating picturesque landscapes that are admired by many. To celebrate the beauty of hydrangeas, various festivals are organized when they are at their peak. One such festival is the Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week, which actually spans an entire month, dedicated to celebrating the colorful blooms.
During this festival, visitors can witness approximately 5,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom on the temple grounds. The sight is truly breathtaking, and it offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. Additionally, special seasonal hydrangea goshuin (shrine stamps) and hanachozu (water-filled basins used for purification before entering a shrine or temple) filled with hydrangeas will be available.
For those who do not possess a shrine stamp book, there will be hydrangea-themed ones available for purchase. These books serve as a collection of stamps obtained from different shrines and temples, making them a popular item among visitors who enjoy exploring religious and cultural sites.
To attend the Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week, an admission fee of ¥700 is required. This fee grants access to the festival and allows visitors to partake in the festivities, enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the hydrangeas.
Overall, the Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week is a month-long celebration that showcases the magnificence of hydrangeas in their prime. It offers an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of these flowers, acquire unique shrine stamps, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.