These are the Best Nine of 2025. 1️⃣The rise-up steps at Atago Shrine 2️⃣3️⃣Kakigori fortune slips and yo-yo omikuji at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine 4️⃣Tanabata at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine 5️⃣Hydrangeas at cafe andon 6️⃣The great torii and pinwheels at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine 7️⃣Enmusubi wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine 8️⃣9️⃣Sea bream omikuji at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Thank you for all your support in 2025. I look forward to your continued support in 2026. 😊

Ichijo Falls in Fukui Prefecture. This is a place deep in the mountains, where you can find flowers, flowers, and cobwebs everywhere. Ichijo Falls in the middle of summer is very thin, but even so, the hydrangeas, which have become unbearable in this year's heat, have become dry and have been webbed by spiders everywhere. Nature is not only beautiful, but I don't want to lose it.

I photographed a woman in a yukata strolling in a cool traditional charm in the shade of many hydrangeas and green trees. Surrounded by hydrangeas and green trees on the slopes, I captured a woman in a yukata with the bell tower in the background in the center of the photo, giving a sense of Japan. Shooting location: Nogo Temple, Famous for hydrangeas in Kumagaya City

I expressed the Traditional charm of a woman in a yukata taking a cool walk while looking at many hydrangeas. The bell tower and yukata in the background make you feel the Traditional charm of Japan. Location: A hydrangea Famous in Kumagaya City, Saitama prefecture Temple

📸✨[Ajisai Festival Instagram Photo Contest Results Announced!]✨📸 Thank you for all your entries! We have finally selected 31 prizewinning works🎊 From the many impressive submissions, here are a few highlights💐✨ All winning entries are now posted on the Shimoda City Tourism Association website! Please take a look👇🔗 (The winning works are listed at the bottom of the page. Scroll to the end to check them out🙇‍♀️) https://www.shimoda-city.info/ajisaiphoto...

Photographed on June 21, 25. It is a heart hydrangea found at Kawagoe Hachimangu. 💜 The rainy season has come to an end.

Notice of the End of the After Hydrangea Festival The hydrangeas floated in the tanks around the monument at Izukyu Shimoda Station rotary were well received by many visitors, and for a brief while everyone could enjoy a beautiful sight 💐✨ Although the display was originally scheduled to run until Tuesday, July 16, we decided to remove the flowers on the evening of Friday, July 11 due to consecutive days of extreme heat. This being the first attempt at this exhibition, we conducted the trial under three challenging conditions—hydrangeas past their peak in the garden, near-summer temperatures, and water—while worrying how long the blossoms could remain beautiful. We implemented all possible measures, including rotating flowers and topping up the tanks, but under the midsummer-like sun it proved difficult to preserve their beauty, so we made the decision to end the display earlier than planned. We sincerely apologize to everyone who was looking forward to it and ask for your understanding. Next fun thing in Shimoda: swimming at the beach 🏖️ Please continue to enjoy everything Shimoda has to offer 🌊🍧🎐

At Manabe Garden in Obihiro, hydrangeas are beginning to bloom little by little. At the garden entrance, a gnome-like fairy known in Europe as a guardian of the garden welcomes visitors. A film set from the morning drama series Natsuzora is also on display beside the entrance and next to the café on the lawn terrace. After strolling through the garden, why not enjoy lunch or a cold sweet at the café? The sweets menu includes three parfaits—the ice brulee parfait, the Strawberry Green Garden parfait, a coffee jelly parfait—as well as soft-serve ice cream. This time I had the ice brulee parfait—what a blissful moment. It has been hot every day, so please enjoy summer sightseeing while staying hydrated. Access: about a 10-minute drive from Obihiro Station, about a 20-minute bike ride from Obihiro Station about a 20-minute bus ride from Obihiro Station http://www.manabegarden.jp//

On July 5, 2025, hydrangea deadheading took place around Fukkoji Temple in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. About 50 people took part and removed spent hydrangea blooms from the temple grounds and nearby areas. In about two hours, the precincts were transformed into a sea of green. Thank you to everyone who participated. May beautiful hydrangeas bloom again next year. ❚ About Fukkoji Temple The bas-relief Buddhist statue carved into the rock on the temple grounds, including its pedestal, reaches roughly 11 meters in height and ranks among Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddhas. The enormous central figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo typically appears in a wrathful form, but years of wind and rain have softened the features of this carving into a rounder, gentler expression. Though large in scale, the figure has a very approachable presence. Fukkoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” for the many hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, visitors can enjoy abundant hydrangea blooms alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About a three-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a two-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a one hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a one hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／ Starting today, July 2nd, hydrangeas are floating in the monument tank at Izukyū Shimoda Station rotary.💠🫧 The hydrangeas were carefully pruned by the staff in charge of Shimoda Park, and they will remain on display until Wednesday, July 16th. Even hydrangeas that have passed their peak in the park look fresh and beautiful when floated on the water! There are especially many blue hydrangeas, which stand out against the summer sky and give a very refreshing impression.🌿🩵 If you are nearby, please stop by and take a look! *Only authorized personnel have pruned or collected plants within Shimoda Park. Please refrain from cutting or taking plants from the park.*

Today, June 30, is the last day of the Hydrangea Festival 💠✨ How did you find the hydrangeas at Shimoda Park? If you have favorite photos, please join our Instagram photo contest 📸💜 To enter, follow the official Shimoda City Tourism Association Instagram and post with these two hashtags: "#Izu Shimoda Onsen Hydrangea Festival 54" and "#Japan’s No.1 Hydrangea Garden 54" — that’s all! Winners will receive prizes to help them fully enjoy Shimoda 🎁👏 Follow us on Instagram from here 👇 https://www.instagram.com/shimoda_kanko/... Don’t forget to check the blog, too 👀! https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250630...

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom status as of June 27, 2025 Fukoji Temple in Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. The hydrangeas overall have passed their peak. You can now see flowers beginning to wither and colors starting to fade. Oita Prefecture has announced that the rainy season appears to have ended. Hydrangea deadheading will take place on July 5, 2025, so hydrangeas can be seen through July 4. Many visitors came to Fukoji again this year. Thank you very much. [Location] Kamiozuka, Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaichi Station [Parking] Available (free) [Toilets] Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The cliff-carved Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, including their base, measure about 11 meters high and are among Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo is usually depicted with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded and softened this carving’s features. Though large, the figure has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called the Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can enjoy a profusion of hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff carving. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access from central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

We have updated the blooming status of hydrangeas at Shimoda Park 💠✨ Although the peak season continues, the flowers are gradually changing color. We recommend visiting soon ☝🏽🌈

Photographed on June 21, 25. It is the lantern and hydrangea of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Geosite Beautification Volunteer Recruitment ❚ Event held on July 5, 2025 At Bukkoji Temple, one of the geosites (points of interest) in Oita’s Bungo-Ono Geopark, volunteers will trim spent hydrangea blooms around the temple grounds. We are seeking volunteers to help. Would you join us in trimming the spent flowers? [Date and Time] Saturday, July 5, 2025, 7:00–9:00 Registration accepted until 8:00. *The event will be postponed in case of rain. If postponed, the city hall website will announce it by the day before the event.* [Registration and Meeting Place] Bukkoji Temple First Parking Lot (Kamiozuka, Aoji Town, Bungo-Ono City) [Tasks] Trimming spent hydrangea blooms *Volunteers will work for at least one hour sometime between 7:00 and 9:00.* *A commemorative gift will be given to participants.* *Tools will be lent, but supplies are limited. If you own pruning shears or hedge shears, please bring them if possible.* [Contact] Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark Promotion Council Phone: 0974-22-4089 ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250618event-asaji/...

Photographed 6/16/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom status as of June 24, 2025 Fukoji sits in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. Overall, the hydrangeas have just passed their peak. Some of the earlier flowers have begun to wither. This year there are fewer blooms than usual, but the later-blooming flowers are beautifully open. We will report on the bloom status as it changes. Location: Kamiotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Access: about a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking: available (free) Restrooms: available ❚ Fukoji The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its pedestal, measures about 11 meters tall, making it one of Japan’s largest cliff Buddhas. The central, enormous figure is Fudo Myoo, the Immovable Wisdom King. Fudo Myoo normally appears fierce, with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded its features into a gentle, softened face. Though large, this Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can see numerous hydrangea blooms together with the cliff Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local residents. ■■■ Access from central Bungoono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Photographed on June 15, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

color Stop by and see the world of hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom Hydrangeas, the flower that symbolizes the rainy season, are starting to bloom across Gokasecho 🤗✨ (Photo: Kuwanochi area) From pale blue to deep blue, pink and purple… Their round shapes draped in refreshing colors look utterly charming 🥰 The lacecap hydrangeas also show a delicate beauty, like quiet sparklers 😌 We saw many bushes that haven’t bloomed yet, so they should continue to delight us for a while ✨ Rain is forecast again from tomorrow, but isn’t viewing hydrangeas dotted with raindrops a rather poetic pleasure 😆? This season can easily bring people down, so let’s find small joys and keep our spirits up 💪✨

Fukkoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Update as of June 20, 2025 Fukkoji Temple sits in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are now just past their peak viewing period. This year there are fewer blooms than usual, but they are blooming beautifully. Temperatures exceeded 30°C several days this week, so some hydrangeas look tired, but the later-blooming ones are flourishing. We will keep posting bloom updates. Location: Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station Parking: Available (free) Restrooms: Available ❚ Fukkoji Temple The bas-relief Buddha carved into the temple grounds, including its pedestal, stands about 11 meters tall and is one of Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central colossal figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo normally appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded his features into a gentle face. Despite his size, this Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukkoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can see many hydrangea blooms alongside the bas-relief Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Photographed on June 15, 25. This is the hydrangea in front of CAFE ANDON.

I thought that a hydrangea that was surrounded by branches and exposed to the shade was even more beautiful than a blooming hydrangea that was tall and beautifully exposed to the light. I took a picture because I thought it had a great presence even though it was surrounded by branches. I'm really glad I was able to go at a time when the hydrangeas were so beautiful! Photographic equipment Nikon zfc

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Report as of June 16, 2025 Fukoji sits in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are currently at their best. This year there are fewer flowers than usual, but each one blooms beautifully. Some of the earliest blossoms have begun to wither slightly. We will update the bloom status as it changes. Location: Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Access: About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking: Available (free) Restrooms: Available ❚ Fukoji The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its base, stands about 11 meters tall and is one of Japan’s largest cliff Buddhas. The central, giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo usually appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have softened this cliff Buddha’s features into a gentle, rounded face. Although large, the Fudo Myoo here has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called “Hydrangea Temple” for good reason, with many hydrangeas planted around the grounds. During the rainy season, visitors can see numerous hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

**Flowering Information** Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture 📍 "Ikedaike Park Iris Garden" flower irises (Hanashobu) ♪ Best time to visit Although it was affected by the rainy season, Beautiful pastel-colored irises and hydrangeas It was ✨ creating a fantastic and beautiful scenery Hydrangeas are about to reach Best time to visit even more in the future! 💓 Since it is just a short distance from the adjacent cars parking lot, It is 🚗✨ a Spot that is easy to visit even by Car Please go and see it! ☺️ ------------------------------------- 📍 Ikedaike Park Iris Garden 1421 Funaki, Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture ------------------------------------- [Reference] Niihama City City Planning Division HP ↓ --------------------------------------- < Car parking lot> 3 locations (Park Car Parking Lot: 16 cars, Nakanoshima Car Parking Lot: 37 cars, 　　　　Iris Garden Car Parking Lot: 32 cars) < Access > ◆ If you Use Car ◆ Exit the Niihama IC Toll station in Ehime Prefecture and turn right for 800m. Turn right on National Route 11, Turn right at the Ikedaike Park entrance signboard for about 1 km in the direction of Takamatsu. ◆ When Use JR and buses ◆ Between JR Niihama Station ~ Kawanoe Office Get off at "Sakashita". It takes about 15 minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inatomi Shrine ⛩️, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture Temizuya with hydrangeas Living there, hydrangeas and bees The world view of June flowers

Photographed on June 9, 25. It is the lantern of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and hydrangeas.

Fukoji Temple Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Status as of June 13, 2025 Fukoji Temple stands in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are currently about 70–80% in bloom. They should reach peak bloom this weekend. This year there are fewer flowers than usual, but each one blooms beautifully. We will update the bloom status as it progresses. Location: Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Access: About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking: Available (free) Toilets: Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The stone-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its base, measures about 11 meters tall and is one of Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central, giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo usually appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have softened this carving into a rounded, gentle face. Though large, this Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also known as Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can see numerous hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff carving. The planted hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local residents. ■■■ Access to Bungo-Ono City Center ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Status as of June 10, 2025 Fukoji Temple is in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are currently about 50–60% in bloom. Blooming has progressed considerably. We will update the bloom status as it changes. [Location] Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station [Parking] Available (free) [Toilets] Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The bas-relief Buddha carved into the temple grounds, including its pedestal, measures about 11 meters in height, making it one of Japan’s largest bas-relief Buddhas. The enormous central figure is Fudo Myoo (Acala). Fudo Myoo is typically depicted with an angry expression, but years of exposure to wind and rain have softened this bas-relief into a rounder, gentler face. Though large, the Fudo Myoo here feels very approachable. Fukoji is also called “Hydrangea Temple” because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season, you can see many hydrangea blooms alongside the bas-relief Buddha. The hydrangeas planted there are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

54th Shimoda Onsen Hydrangea Festival Bloom Report [Overall about 50% in bloom] The hydrangeas at Shimoda Park are about 50% in bloom overall! From the entrance to Kaikoku Plaza they are at their best 💠✨ All around the park, colorful flowers have begun to open, creating a soothing scene even for a simple walk. Blue, purple, pink, white… the variety of hydrangeas you can see is one of Shimoda Park’s charms 🎨! Hydrangea color famously changes with soil conditions, and at Shimoda Park the fertilizer applied varies each year and the grounds are sloped, so runoff causes a mix of hues you can enjoy 👀💙💜 Explaining those mysteries and the different hydrangea types is the Shimoda Hydrangea Guidebook. Try using it while strolling through the park’s hydrangea paths!👇 https://www.shimoda-ajisai.info// Near the colony area, the Hydrangea Terrace Café is open ☕🌿 (Open every day during the Hydrangea Festival; may close due to weather, 9:00–16:00) Their limited-quantity plum squash (600 yen) is said to be popular ✨ However, it was so popular the plums ran out, so this time they offered the seasonal New Summer Orange ade instead! It was refreshing with a hint of sweetness and very tasty 🍊 The plums should be ready in a little while! They also offer many drinks perfect for a break while admiring the hydrangeas. Kaikoku Plaza also has food, drink, and shopping areas 👍 Some buds remain, but in sunny spots the hydrangeas are gently opening in a rainbow of colors, making this a great time for photos 📷 Colors will deepen from now on, and peak is expected from mid to late June. We will update bloom information as it changes, so please check before you visit 🌤