In Japan the best time to see Hydrangea is from June to July. Also known for the flower of monsoon season, being able to enjoy the landscape even on rainy days, and a flower with its own elegance is what makes it so popular. In Kamakura the famous spot for Hydrangea is the Joujuin and the Hase area with Hase temple, the two spots that cannot be missed in the Kita Kamakura area.

Last year we introduced the Hase area therefore, this time we will e introducing the Kita Kamakura Hydrangea spot.

Speaking of Kamakura Hydrangea is the Meigetsuin; also known as “Ajisai (Hydrangea) temple”, a famous spot for Hydrangea.

Within the precints, there are about 2000 Hydrangea blooming, all of which is enjoyable by those who visit. In the Meigetsuin, the colors of the Hydrangea which are all blue or light blue can be enjoyed.

An impressing bamboo bush and Hydrangea

In the Meigetsuin, there are other enjoyable aspects other than the Hydrangea such as the gardens.

The best time to see is mid-June to mid-July. This time of year, is when the Meigetsuin is the most crowded spot.
The opening is at 8:30 therefore, I recommend entering when it opens.

The color differences with Hydrangea changes depending on the different aspects such as the amount of acid the soil has or the amount of aluminum ion, the number of days since blossoming. This condition is also called the “Shichihenge” (various changes).

Continuing on we go towards the Jouchi temple (Jouchiji). In Kamakura where ever you go there blossoms a Hydrangea.

A unique characteristic of Kita Kamakura is that there are elegant houses.

Jouchi temple’s Hydrangea is planted on each side of the tower gate to the front approach.

Within the different kinds of Hydrangea, this is the most general seen type

This is called the Western Hydrangea, a reformation of the Japanese “Gakuajisai” (Hydrangea macrophylla).

■Gakuajisai (Hydrangea macrophylla)
There is the stamen/pistil in the central part, and in the outer area is the decorative flowers.

■Yamaajisai (Hydrangea serrata Seringe)
It is smaller than the other Hydrangeas. Autogenously grows in the forest, and has pink and white flowers.

■Anabel
White small pedal blossoms, and becomes a temari like shape. It is considered one of the rare kinds.

Most closest to Kita Kamakura station is the Toukei temple (Toukeiji). In front of the temple gate there blossoms an amazing Hydrangea.

The Hydrangea near the belfry.

A large marsh with iris spreads out. In Toukei temple, it is famous for having flowers those blossoms all through the year, and is even one of the most outstanding temples in Kamakura.

Further in the temples, on the right hand side of the wall of rock is the Iwa-tabacco fully blossomed. It is not too much to say that it magnificently fills up.

Iwa-tabacco, grows on a wall of rock in mountain grounds that are damp, and its height is about 6~15 centimeters. The leaves are similar to oval shapes, and the wrinkles on the surface are unique.

To go see the Hydrangea in Kita Kamakura, we recommend the comparatively fast Meigetsuin to Jouchi temple to Toukei temple route. Afterwards it is also good to stretch your legs out to Kamakura station direction, and making your way towards Hase or Enoshima by the Enoden.