Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, Tokyo Travel Guide

Hakusan Shrine, located in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, is a historic Shinto shrine with deep cultural roots. During the Edo period, it was highly revered by the Tokugawa shogunate, and later became one of the prestigious “Tokyo Ten Shrines,” known for their importance and legacy.

The shrine is believed to bring blessings for good relationships and marital harmony, making it a popular destination for women seeking spiritual support. However, what truly sets Hakusan Shrine apart is the breathtaking display of hydrangeas that bloom in and around the grounds.

Every June, the shrine hosts the Ajisai (Hydrangea) Festival, when approximately 3,000 hydrangea bushes bloom in a colorful, photogenic spectacle. The vibrant flowers, especially when glistening with rain, appear like sparkling jewels, drawing visitors from all over.

During the festival, the usually off-limits Fujizuka (a small, symbolic Mt. Fuji mound) is opened to the public. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the blooming hydrangeas—a rare and picturesque sight.

Hakusan Shrine offers a serene escape where you can enjoy the elegance of early summer’s hydrangeas in the peaceful, spiritual setting of a historic shrine. It's a truly luxurious experience that blends nature, culture, and tradition.