Hydrangeas are in full bloom at Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple in Jododani, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, including blue and reddish purple, and there are elaborate displays, so visitors enjoy the vivid colors against the green background.
Yokokuji Temple is known as a famous hydrangea spot, with about 5,000 plants planted throughout the temple grounds. The temple has designated the month of June "Hydrangea Week," during which it will open the Kamishoin shoin building to the public for a special period.
This year, the flowers bloomed a little late, and some areas were damaged by wild animals, but from around the middle of the month, the decorative flowers (sepals) in sunny places began to open. There is also a "flower water basin" where colorful hydrangeas float in a water-filled water basin, and a "flower staircase" where potted plants are lined up on the steps in front of Shoichi Ganriki Inari Daimyojin Shrine in the temple grounds, where parents and children are delighted, saying, "It's so pretty."
The "Umbrella Sky" event, in which umbrellas designed with hydrangeas by mail order company Felissimo were raised in the temple grounds, was also held, and many visitors were seen taking photos with their smartphones.
The temple grounds have differences in elevation, so head priest Kusaka Toshihide said, "The hydrangeas in higher places will be in full bloom from now on. We think you'll be able to enjoy them until early July."
The special public viewing of Kami Shoin and the Oinari Flower Stairs will be available until June 30th. Fees for entrance to the temple and admission to Kami Shoin are required.
