Hydrangeas, which beautifully brighten the rainy season, are native to Japan and known by their scientific name meaning “water vessel.” These flowers come in a variety of species, with their colors changing and deepening as they age, earning them the nickname “seven transformations.” The Japanese hydrangea (Gaku Ajisai) was refined in the West to create the Western hydrangea (Hon Ajisai), characterized by its round, ball-shaped flowers, which have now become the standard. A unique and popular feature of hydrangeas is their ability to change color based on soil acidity.
This season ushers in a diverse array of hydrangeas, from delicate varieties to those with blooms larger than a person’s face, as well as types prized for their antique hues and popularity as dried flowers. In Fukuoka, hydrangeas have just begun to show their colors, with many locations expected to reach their peak bloom in early June.
▷Fukuoka Hydrangea Guide 2024 Google Map
Hydrangea Viewing Spots near Fukuoka
• Fukuoka City (5)
• Itoshima City (1)
• Chikushino City (1)
• Dazaifu City (1)
• Kurume City (2)
• Kasuya-gun (2)
• Kitakyushu City (1)
• Nogata City (1)
• Tagawa-gun (1)
• Buzen City (1)
• Karatsu City, Saga (1)
Fukuoka City
Hakozaki Shrine
Hakozaki Shrine, with its impressive 1-kilometer-long approach extending straight from Hakata Bay to the main hall, is a remarkable sight. In honor of the Heisei Era Grand Ceremony, an approximately 1,700-tsubo (5,600 square meters) hydrangea garden was created in the western part of the shrine grounds. Here, you can enjoy viewing around 100 varieties and 3,500 hydrangea plants against the backdrop of the main hall. Additionally, during the hydrangea blooming season, the flower garden located midway along the approach becomes a spectacle with approximately 30 varieties and 5,000 lilies in full bloom.
• Approx. 3,500 plants (approx. 100 varieties)
• Open: 6/1 (Sat.) ~ 6/30 (Sun.)
• 9:30~17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Hydrangea viewing ¥300, flower garden ¥200
• 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/hanameguri/#hana2
Maizuru Park
At Maizuru Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as plum, Chinese peony, wisteria, and peony throughout the year. From late May, hydrangeas begin to bloom. The best spots for viewing hydrangeas are behind the Fukuoka Art Museum, at the entrance of the peony and Chinese peony garden, and around the Shiomi Turret along Meiji-dori. During this same period, you can also enjoy water lilies and irises near the pond by Gokoku Shrine.
• Approx. 2,500 plants
• Season: Early Jun. ~ late Jun.
• Free entry
• 1 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (Maizuru Park PDF map)
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/
Nokonoshima Island Park
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Meinohama Ferry Terminal lies Nokonoshima, an island about 12 kilometers in circumference, floating in Hakata Bay. At Nokonoshima Island Park, visitors can enjoy a stunning variety of seasonal flowers on a grand scale. From early to late June, around 1,000 hydrangea plants reach their peak bloom. The park features a 100-meter-long “Hydrangea Path,” where white, purple, and blue hydrangeas bloom beautifully. Taking photos with the colorful umbrellas provided for free rental is also a popular activity.
• Approx. 1,000 plants (approx. 20 varieties)
• Season: Early Jun. ~ late Jun.
• 9:00~17:30, Sun. & hol.: 9:00~18:30
• Closed: Never
• Admission fee: ¥1,500, ES & JHS: ¥800, 3 y.o. and over: ¥500
• Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• http://nokonoshima.com/en/
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Within the expansive 350 ha national park, you’ll find forests, ponds, open spaces, and pools. The beautifully maintained grounds offer a chance to enjoy seasonal trees and flowers throughout the year. Exploring the vast park by rental bicycle is highly recommended. Near JR Uminonakamichi Station, a hydrangea path stretches out, featuring about 1,000 hydrangea plants nestled among the pine trees.
• Approx. 1,000 plants (approx. 30 varieties)
• Season: Early Jun. ~ late Jun.
• 9:30~17:30 (last entry 16:30)
• Closed: Tue. during 6/4 (Tue.) ~ 7/16 (Tue.)
• Admission fee: ¥450, 65 y.o. and over: ¥210, free for JHS and under
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• https://uminaka-park.jp/enjoy_flower/four-seasons/Hydrangea.html
Fukuoka City Botanical Garden
Situated on gently rolling hills spanning approximately 28 ha, Fukuoka City Botanical Garden is located within Minami Park. The expansive garden allows visitors to enjoy nearly 2,600 species of plants and provides easy access to the adjacent zoo. In June, around 80 varieties of hydrangeas can be admired throughout the garden. A significant number of hydrangeas are cultivated in the Flower Garden C, near the flower beds and rose garden. Additionally, the garden features a two-story, 2,800 square meter greenhouse, showcasing succulents, orchids, and other plants, allowing for leisurely plant observation even on rainy days.
• Approx. 1,000 plants (approx. 80 varieties)
• Season: Late May ~ mid-Jun.
• 9:00~17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Closed: Mon. (open if Mon. is a hol. and closed the next day)
• Admission fee: ¥600, HS ¥300, free for JHS and under
• 5-1-1 Ozasa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (park map)
• https://botanical-garden.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/plants/detail/45#detail_top
Itoshima City
Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls, a scenic spot in Itoshima, is situated on the mid-slope of Mt. Hagane at an elevation of 900 meters. In summer, many people visit seeking relief from the heat. Around the 24-meter-high waterfall, approximately 5,000 hydrangea plants bloom beautifully, showered by the mist from the falls. On Sunday, June 30, the Hydrangea Festival will be held, featuring mochi tossing and cut flower giveaways starting at 11 a.m.
（一社）糸島市観光協会
• Approx. 5,000 plants
• Season: Mid-Jun. ~ late Jul.
• Hydrangea Festival: 6/30 (Sun.) 11:00~ (finishes when all cut flowers are gone)
• Free entry
• 460-6 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• https://shiraitonotaki.jp/
Chikushino City
Tenpai Park Hydrangea Garden
Centered around Buzoji Temple, said to be the oldest temple in Kyushu, this natural park is located at the foot of Mt. Tenpai. Known for its azaleas, the park also offers a variety of seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, wisteria, and maple leaves. Within the park, there is a 300-square-meter hydrangea garden, where you can enjoy around 30 varieties and 900 hydrangea plants cultivated by local residents.
Photo from Chikushino City Tourism Organization
• Approx. 900 plants
• Season: Early Jun. ~ late Jun.
• Free entry
• 629-1 Musashi, Chikushino City, Fukuoka
• https://www.chikushino.org/sightseeing/#item13
Dazaifu City
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu, dedicated to the god of learning, boasts beautifully maintained and lush grounds. Seasonal flowers, including plum blossoms, irises in various colors, and hydrangeas, bloom throughout the year. The hydrangeas that brighten the rainy season have long been cherished as one of Dazaifu Tenmangu’s seasonal flowers. The contrast between the irises reflected on the surface of Iris Pond and the hydrangeas is particularly striking, especially on rainy days. A charming early summer tradition is the “Hana Chōzu,” where colorful hydrangeas float in the shrine’s purification basin.
• Season: Late May. ~ early Jul.
• Free entry
• 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/
Kyushu Live – Dazaifu Tenmangu Art Tour (June. 2021)
Report from the site on the art on display in the precincts of the shrine and the hydrangea and flower hand-watering!
Kurume City
Senkoji Temple
Senkoji Temple, located in Kurume, was established in 1192 by Eisai Zenji, the founder of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. The temple has earned the moniker “hydrangea temple” due to the 7,000 hydrangea plants thriving within its grounds.
• Approx. 7,000 plants
• Season: Early Jun. ~ late Jun.
• 8:00~18:00
• Hydrangea Festival: 6/1 (Sat.) ~ 6/30 (Sun.) *changes depending on blooming conditions.
• Admission fee (only during the Hydrangea Festival): ¥300, free for JHS and under
• 2287 Yamamoto-machi Toyoda, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• https://buff.ly/4bqxrnY
Korasan Hydrangea Garden
Kora Taisha, with Kyushu’s largest shrine building, is located at the westernmost end of the Mino Mountain Range on Mount Kora (elevation 312 meters). About a 5-minute walk down the approach from the former chief priest’s residence, situated midway up the mountain, you’ll find a hydrangea garden. Since 2000, ongoing tree planting has resulted in approximately 4,000 hydrangea plants blooming on a spacious 3,000-square-meter area, sheltered by the surrounding trees. On June 9, the Hydrangea Festival will be held, featuring taiko drum performances and food stalls.
• Approx. 4,000 plants
• Season: Early Jun.
• Free entry
• Hydrangea Festival: 6/9 (Sun.) 10:00~14:00
• 1 Mii-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• http://www.kourataisya.or.jp/hanagoyomi/summer
Kasuya-gun
Nomiyama Kannonji Temple
Nomiyama Kannonji Temple, affectionately known as “Nomiyama-san,” attracts over one million visitors annually. From mid-June to early July, around 2,000 hydrangea plants on the temple grounds reach their peak bloom. Visitors can enjoy the stunning contrast between the vibrant blue hydrangeas and the surrounding green cedar and fresh green maple leaves. From June 22 to June 30, 2024, the Kannon Market will be held, featuring gourmet foods such as yakisoba, curry, and hot dogs, as well as flower seedlings for sale near the parking area.
• Approx. 2,000 plants
• Season: Mid-Jun. ~ early Jul.
• 9:00~17:00
• Kannon Market: 6/22 (Sat.) ~ 6/30 (Sun.)
• Free entry
• 227-4 Haginou, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka (temple map)
• https://www.nomiyamakannonji.com/index.html
Sarayama Park
Located on the slopes of Mt. Wakasugi, known for its stunning night views of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay, Sarayama Park offers a spectacular floral display. Approximately 30,000 azaleas and 2,000 hydrangeas come into full bloom here from early June through early July.
• Approx. 2,000 plants
• Season: Early Jun. ~ early Jul.
• Free entry
• Kamisue, Sue-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka (park map)
• https://www.town.sue.fukuoka.jp/kanko_bunka_sports/kanko_tokusan/4571.html
Kitakyushu City
Takatoyama Park
Takatoyama Park, renowned as one of the prime locations to view hydrangeas in Fukuoka Prefecture, showcases more than 70,000 vibrant hydrangeas in full bloom during the rainy season. The observation deck and mountain path are enveloped by these stunning flowers.
From late May to early June, you’ll find ‘mountain hydrangeas,’ which naturally grow in Japan’s mountains and streams, in their prime. Following these, ‘western hydrangeas’ reach their peak from mid-June.
The ‘Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival’ is scheduled for May 26th, June 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Additionally, on June 9th, coinciding with the Western hydrangea season, a free shuttle bus will operate between Wakamatsu Watarijo and Wakamatsu Station to the top of Mt. Takatoyama.
• Approx. 74,500 plants
• Season: Late May. ~ early Jun: mountain hydrangea / mid-June: western hydrangea
• Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival: 5/26 (Sun.), 6/2 (Sun.) 10:00~15:00 (sub-event), 6/9 (Sun.), 6/16 (Sun.) 10:00~16:00 (main-event)
• Free entry
• Sutara, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/wakamatsu/w4100054.html
Nogata City
Mototori Hydrangea Garden
Approximately 4,000 hydrangea plants bloom on the slopes of Kongosan. The restoration of this once-abandoned satoyama, which had been neglected for half a century, began when local residents planted hydrangeas to revive the landscape. Today, around 4,000 hydrangea plants attract many visitors from afar. To support the maintenance and management of the hydrangea garden, an entrance fee of ¥200 per vehicle is required for those arriving by car.
• Approx. 4,000 plants
• Open: 6/1 (Sat.) ~ 6/23 (Sun.)
• 9:00~17:00
• Hydrangea Garden Maintenance Cooperation Fee: ¥200/car
• 4200-13, Kamitonno, Nogata City, Fukuoka
• https://nogata-kankoh.com/hangout/657.html
Tagawa-gun
Kanayama Hydrangea Garden
Situated near the Karasuo Tunnel, the Kanayama Hydrangea Garden covers an area of 5,000 square meters. This garden, meticulously maintained by local volunteers, provides free admission to its visitors. Here, a variety of vibrantly colored hydrangeas create a harmonious landscape, offering a stunning visual experience for all who visit.
• Approx. 7,000 plants (15 varieties)
• Season: Early Jun. ~ early Jul.
• Free entry
• 244 Itoda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
• https://bit.ly/3Mymg2s
Buzen City
Edagawachi Hydrangea Land
With the motto “A Small Village’s Big Challenge, Japan’s Number One Hydrangea Land,” local residents plant hydrangeas every year. Now, around 16,000 hydrangea plants bloom along the rice field paths and farm roads. Many visitors come to see the hydrangeas in full bloom against the backdrop of the rice paddies. During the weekends of the “Edagawachi Hydrangea Festival,” which is held to coincide with the peak bloom, local specialties such as sweet corn and rice are sold.
• Approx. 16,000 plants
• Season: Mid-Jun.
• Free entry
• Hydrangea Festival: 6/9 (Sun.) ~ 6/23 (Sun.) 9:00~16:00
• Edagawachi Area, Iwaya, Buzen City, Fukuoka
• http://www.buzen-kk.jp/nature_ajisai.html
Karatsu City, Saga
Mikaeri no Taki Falls
Mikaeri no Taki Falls in Karatsu, boasting one of the largest drops in Kyushu and selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, plunges with a thunderous roar. The surrounding area features well-maintained walking paths, allowing visitors to explore along suspension bridges and mountain streams. The 1.4-kilometer-long walking path is adorned with around 40,000 hydrangea plants of approximately 50 varieties, all planted by local residents. The waterfall is also illuminated (from May to September, 19:20~22:00), and during the festival period when the hydrangeas are in full bloom, the area bustles with many visitors.
• Approx. 40,000 plants (approx. 50 varieties)
• Season: Mid-Jun.
• Hydrangea Festival: 6/5 (Wed.) ~ 6/25 (Tue.)
• Free entry
• Ikisa, Ouchimachi, Karatsu City, Saga
• https://www.karatsu-kankou.jp/spots/detail/33/
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This article was originally penned in May 2016 and updated in May 2024.
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NOTE: This information has been collected and condensed by the Fukuoka Now team. While we strive for accuracy, there may be errors or details that have changed over time. If you spot any inaccuracies or changes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
