Check out these articles
-
Video article 5:41
Explore Shinonome No Sato, One of the Largest Hydrangea Gardens in Japan, via Video! Go for a Leisurely Stroll and Enjoy the 4 Seasons of Japan at This Garden in Kagoshima!
NatureTravel- 52 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:15
Kyuanji Temple – A Flower Temple in Osaka, Japan Famous for Its Hydrangeas. Learn the Best Time to Visit and What to See When Visiting
NatureFestivals & EventsTravel- 193 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:12
Video of "Wokuzure Suisenkyo" in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture, including the best time to see the pretty daffodils blooming by the lake and the "Suisen Festival" on the Ezuki Suisen Road in Chiba Prefecture.
NatureTravel- 128 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:12
Chamomile in full bloom enjoyed from the treehouse at Chamitsure no Sato in Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture! Surrounded by flowers, why not experience what it is like to be in a fairy tale world?
TravelNature- 49 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 8:16
What is the highlight of the hydrangea temple in Kyoto? A relaxing spot during the rainy season where you can enjoy colorful flower hand-watering.
NatureTravelArt & Architecture- 99 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 8:51
A beautiful video of Oze's skunk cabbages at their best! The video also introduces the best time and places to see skunk cabbages in Oze, famous for the song "Memories of Summer", as well as hiking courses in Oze, which straddles four prefectures, Fukushima, Niigata, Gunma, and Tochigi.
NatureTravel- 240 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:01
Yu Akari – Experience the Stunning Winter Illumination at Kurokawa Onsen via Video! Discover the Fantastical Atmosphere That Warmly Embraces Visitors to Kumamoto Prefecture, and the Passion of the People of Kurokawa!
Festivals & EventsTravelHotel & Japanese Inn- 208 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:52
Mimuroto-dera Temple, a hydrangea temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is illuminated fantastically! When is the best time to see hydrangeas? Opening period in 2024 and features of the temple.
NatureTravel- 116 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:57
Video of "Nara Tokae" in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, with prayers by candlelight, including 2024 dates and venues such as Todaiji Temple.
TravelTraditional CultureFestivals & Events- 131 plays
- YouTube
Unshoji Temple" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, with 1,500 blue hydrangeas in full bloom, a world of blue woven in collaboration with the sea and sky, and illuminated at night with fantastic beauty.
Unshoji Temple in Oga, Akita: Video Introduction
This video, titled "[4K] A Temple Where Hydrangeas in All Shades of Blue Bloom Across the Precincts: Oga, Akita|nippon.com" (【4K】青一色の紫陽花(あじさい)が境内一面に咲き誇る寺:秋田県男鹿市| nippon.com), was uploaded by "nippon.com." The 1,500 hydrangeas that cover the temple grounds, also known as 'Blue Heaven,' make Unshoji a popular spot in Oga, Akita. It was also selected as one of "The Best Scenery in Japan" in 2017.
Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple
The highlight of Unshoji Temple is the beautiful blue world that can be seen there. On a clear day, the blue of the cloudless sky, the blue of the sea in Oga, and the blue of the hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple all combine to create a unique view that you won't find anywhere else.
Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple, also known as "hydrangea temple," date back to when the temple's deputy chief priest was captivated by the beauty of a single hydrangea that was blooming quietly in a corner of the temple's grounds. After seeing this he began to take cuttings and plant the hydrangea to the delight of his parishioners and local residents.
After 15 years, the hydrangea bloomed like a carpet of blue, moving the hearts of all who saw it.
At night, when the hydrangeas are lit up, their blue color becomes deeper and more beautiful than in the daytime, creating fantastic scenery. The best time to view the hydrangeas is usually from mid-June to early July, and they are in full bloom in late June.
[Video] 0:55 - Hydrangeas Lit Up at Unshoji Temple
Unshoji Temple and Highlights of the Temple
Usually in June and July, the precincts of Unshoji Temple are filled with vivid blue hydrangeas. Even before you pass through the temple gate, you'll be overwhelmed by their beauty, and your soul will be spirited away. Now we'll introduce some of the other highlights of Unshoji Temple besides the hydrangeas.
Unshoji Temple belongs to the Soto sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1624 (early Edo period).
In the main hall, there are statues of the Gautama Buddha, Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion, Bodhidharma, and Manjushri.
In addition to the joint tomb of the statues of Kannon and Kshitigarbha, the temple grounds are dotted with photogenic spots where you can take great pictures for Instagram, including elegant bamboo groves, Japanese umbrellas (wagasa), and the view from the observation deck.
There are also "heart stones" in seven locations around the temple, which are said to grant wishes if found, and the gentle-looking Smiling Jizo. Be sure to check them out when you visit.
[Video] 1:26 - Smiling Jizo
Charms and Souvenirs at Unshoji Temple
Charms and other souvenirs, like shuin stamps available only at Unshoji Temple, are also popular. One charm containing a single hydrangea petal costs 700 yen. Hydrangeas are believed to ward off evil spirits, prevent women from getting sick, bring families together, and bring good luck.
There are three types of shuin stamps available at Unshoji Temple, all Hydrangea-themed, and they can be purchased for 500 yen each. However, during the hydrangea viewing period, there are special shuin stamps you can collect as well.
Summary of Unshoji Temple, a Hydrangea Temple in Akita, Japan
The deputy chief priest of Unshoji Temple spent 15 years painstakingly cultivating the hydrangeas, and this 4K video enhances their beauty and transports the viewer into a fantastical world.
With 1,500 blue hydrangeas blooming all over the temple grounds, Unshoji Temple is a must-see spot!
◆Unshoji Temple◆
【Address】Kitaura-57 Kitaurakitaura, Oga, Akita 010-0683
【Access】
・Approximately 45 minutes (34 km) by car from the Showa Oga Peninsula IC.
・Approximately 1 hour from JR Akita Station to Oga Station or Hattachi Station on the Oga Line. Approximately 20 to 40 minutes (16 km) by Namahage shuttle (なまはげシャトル), local bus, or cab.
・From Oga Onsen (Oga Hot Spring), it's about 7 minutes (4 km) by car.
【Parking】Designated parking lots are available. Free parking for standard cars.
【Hydrangea viewing (2022)】
Period: Saturday, June 11, 2022 - Monday, July 18, 2022
Viewing Hours and Admission Fees:
・Daytime: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) 500 yen (200 yen for admission fee + 300 yen for special admission fee during hydrangea viewing period) ※6/25 (Sat), 6/26 (Sun), 7/2 (Sat), 7/3 (Sun): 800 yen (200 yen for admission fee + 600 yen for special admission fee during hydrangea viewing period)
・Special nighttime illumination viewing: 18:45 - 21:30 (last admission 21:00) 1,000 yen (200 yen entrance fee + 800 yen special nighttime admission fee)
※6/24 (Fri.) - 6/26 (Sun.) and 7/1 (Fri.) - 7/3 (Sun.) 1,300 yen (200 yen for admission fee + 1,100 yen for special nighttime admission fee)
Free for junior high school students and younger.
Regular admission fee outside the hydrangea viewing period is 200 yen.
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 9:35
The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosakadera! Beautiful Drone Footage of the Cherry Blossoms the Famous Temple in Nara!
Travel Art & Architecture Nature- 171 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:19
Chidorigafuchi's “Cherry Blossom Festival in Chiyoda” is a cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward that attracts 1.3 million visitors! The beautiful cherry blossoms illuminated by lights are a spectacular spot to visit at least once!
Travel- 349 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:35
The Beautiful Landscape of Kumano Kodo, A World Heritage Site in Wakayama Prefecture. This Historic Power Spot Is Full of Stone Steps and Sacred Waterfalls, Perfect for Your Instagram!
Travel- 1.25K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:01
The Cherry Blossom Blizzard at Ueno Park - One of the Most Famous Hanami Spots in Tokyo! The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival in Taito City Boasts Approximately 1,200 Cherry Trees in Full Bloom!
Travel Festivals & Events- 386 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:06
The Kachi Daruma Dolls of Katsuoji Temple! Discover the Popular Dolls at the Temple in Minoh, Osaka!
Travel Art & Architecture- 247 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 11:05
Explore Some of the Most Popular Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo! Cherry Blossoms Lit up at Night Create a Fantastical Atmosphere You Can’t Experience in the Daytime!
Travel Things to Do Festivals & Events- 115 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:50
Kyoto City Kyoto at night is a scene from a movie or a drama!Enjoy the fantastic scenery of Kyoto in superbly beautiful 4K video!
Travel- 925 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
The Video That's Making Headlines Around the World! This Video Introduction to Japan, Which Captures the Eyes of Viewers Moment by Moment, Is Both High Quality and Inspiring!
Travel Things to Do Modern Culture- 6.69K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:41
Harie, Japan: The "Village of Living Water" in Takashima, Shiga. A Look at the Village Where a Natural Spring Has Existed for More Than 200 Years!
Travel Life & Business- 1.17K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:19
Truly Breathtaking! Bukeyashiki Street in Kakunodate and Hinokinai River Are Two of the Most Famous Cherry Blossom Sites in the World! Enjoy the Sight of This Historical Village in Akita Prefecture Dyed Pink by Cherry Blossoms!
Travel- 672 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:31
Autumn Leaves at the Tokugawa Garden via Video! Experience a Breathtaking Illumination at a Japanese Garden in Autumn, in Aichi, Japan
Travel Nature Traditional Culture- 205 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:14
Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture – Experience a Panoramic View of 30,000 Beautiful Cherry Blossoms at One of the Most Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Locations in Japan
Travel Nature- 164 plays
- YouTube
2 Comments