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Japan in June : Hydrangeas, Rainy Season & Fewer Crowds
It’s hydrangea season, gardens are full of flowers, everything becomes greener, and many popular places are much quieter than during sakura season. June is also the start of the rainy season in much of Japan, but that doesn’t mean it rains all day every day.
Many travelers avoid it because it marks the beginning of the rainy season, known as tsuyu (梅雨). However, the reality is often very different from what people imagine. Rain usually comes in short periods rather than all-day downpours, and June offers fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, beautiful seasonal flowers, and often lower accommodation prices compared to spring.
Here’s what June looks like across Japan 👇
Photo by 女人高野 室生寺
What is the weather like in Japan in June?
June marks the start of the rainy season across much of Japan.
Average temperatures are generally comfortable:
Tokyo: 20–27°C (68–81°F)
Kyoto: 19–29°C (66–84°F)
Osaka: 20–29°C (68–84°F)
Fukuoka: 21–28°C (70–82°F)
Despite its reputation, it doesn’t rain all day every day. Expect:
cloudy skies
occasional showers
higher humidity
plenty of dry periods between rain
Hokkaido is usually not affected by the rainy season and remains one of the best destinations in Japan during June.
Where to Go in June ? & Best Hydrangea Spots in Japan
TOKYO
Hakusan Shrine
Probably Tokyo’s most famous hydrangea spot. Hundreds of hydrangeas bloom around the shrine during the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival.
Asukayama Park
Large hydrangea area combined with walking paths and gardens.
Takahata Fudoson Temple
One of Tokyo’s biggest hydrangea temples with thousands of flowers.
Hama-rikyu Gardens
Good combination of seasonal flowers and traditional gardens.
KAMAKURA (A MUST IN JUNE)
Meigetsu-in Temple
Often called “Hydrangea Temple”. One of the most famous hydrangea spots in Japan.
Hasedera Temple
Hydrangea-covered hillside overlooking the coast.
Jochi-ji Temple
Less crowded option surrounded by greenery.
Engaku-ji Temple
Hydrangeas mixed with temple scenery and forest paths.
KYOTO
Mimuroto-ji Temple (Uji)
One of the most famous hydrangea temples in Japan. Around 20,000 hydrangeas.
Fujinomori Shrine
Known for its annual hydrangea festival.
Sanzen-in (Ohara)
Hydrangeas surrounded by moss gardens and forest scenery.
OSAKA
Nagai Botanical Garden
Hydrangea gardens and seasonal flower displays.
Minoo Park
Hydrangeas along some of the walking trails.
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Large seasonal flower areas including hydrangeas.
NARA
Hasedera Temple
One of Japan’s most famous hydrangea temples. Thousands of hydrangeas line the stone staircase leading to the main hall.
Okadera Temple
Known for its hydrangea displays around the temple grounds and stone lanterns. Usually at its best throughout June.
Murou-ji Temple
Hydrangeas mixed with forest scenery, temple buildings, and mountain surroundings.
Tsubosaka-dera Temple
Large temple known for seasonal flowers, including hydrangeas during June.
KYŪSHŪ
Takatoyama Park (Fukuoka)
Around 70,000 hydrangeas bloom across the park. An annual hydrangea festival has been held here for more than 20 years.
Yamanokuchi Hydrangea Park (Miyazaki)
Nearly 30,000 hydrangeas with views of the Kirishima Mountains.
Mikaeri no Taki (Saga)
One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Around 40,000 hydrangeas bloom around the falls during June.
Shinonome no Sato Hydrangea Garden (Kagoshima)
Around 100,000 hydrangeas across 200 varieties. One of the largest hydrangea gardens in Kyūshū.
Takachiho Gorge
Not specifically for hydrangeas, but June is one of the greenest months to visit.
OTHER FAMOUS HYDRANGEA SPOTS
Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (Iwate)
One of the largest hydrangea gardens in Japan with over 40,000 plants.
Katahara Onsen Ajisai no Sato (Aichi)
Famous hydrangea festival with night illuminations.
Kokubunji Temple (Ehime)
Popular hydrangea temple in Shikoku.
Kaisei Hydrangea Festival (Kanagawa) : Hydrangeas blooming between rice fields near Odawara. One of the most photogenic hydrangea spots in the region, especially during June when the fields turn bright green. Around 5,000 hydrangea plants.
Amabiki Kannon Temple (Ibaraki) : One of Japan’s most beautiful hydrangea temples. More than 5,000 hydrangeas in shades of blue, purple, and pink bloom throughout the temple grounds.
🌿 Other Places to Visit in June : HOKKAIDŌ
Furano & Biei
Green landscapes before lavender season begins.
Shiretoko National Park
Wildlife and nature at their best.
JAPANESE ALPS
Kamikochi
Mountain hiking season begins.
Karuizawa
Cooler temperatures and forest walks.
🎎 Main June Events
Early June
Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, Tokyo
Jun 5,2026(Fri) Atsuta Festival (Nagoya)
A major local festival with traditional performances and fireworks.
Throughout June
Hydrangea festivals across Japan
June 14–16
Sanno Matsuri, Tokyo (selected years larger than others)
June 30
Nagoshi no Harae purification ceremonies at shrines across Japan
Throughout June
Rice planting festivals in rural regions
Firefly season
June is also firefly season in many parts of Japan.
🍴 What to Eat in June
Ayu sweetfish
Ume (Japanese plums)
Umeshu and plum products
Seasonal cherries in northern Japan
Cold soba noodles
Hiyayakko (cold tofu)
💡 Tips for June
Rainy season starts in much of Japan during June
Rain usually comes in short periods rather than all day
Carry a small umbrella
Hydrangeas are at their best after rainfall
Tourist crowds are generally lower than in spring and autumn
Hokkaido usually avoids the rainy season
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Planning a trip to Japan usually breaks at the same point: you save a lot of places, but don’t know how to turn them into a realistic route. Cities are large, distances are not intuitive, and it’s hard to know what actually fits in one day.
This guide was created to solve that. It helps you understand how places connect, how many days make sense per area, and how to build an itinerary that flows.
With the interactive map, you can explore curated spots across Japan, follow ready-made itineraries and day trips, mix my routes with your own, and adapt everything to your pace.
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