Hydrangeas at Tokyo’s Hakusan Shrine

First up for me were Hakusan Shrine’s hydrangeas.

The grounds were home to many varieties, including rare ones that you wouldn’t even suspect to be hydrangeas!

Hydrangeas were also in bloom along the path that leads from Hakusan Shrine to Hakusan Park.

This park also becomes an event venue during the hydrangea festival.
Normally this park seems typical, a small park where children can play, but a few hydrangeas bloom here as well!

Once again, back to Hakusan Shrine’s grounds.

There aren’t as many hydrangeas here as there may be outside of the city, but the convenient location near multiple Tokyo stations makes enjoying the flowers easy. There also are not just the usual blue and purple flowers, but plenty of rare colors like pink and white hydrangeas as well!

It was already over by the time I made my visit, but during the “Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival,” Hakusan Shrine’s “Fujidzuka,” which is typically closed to the public, is open to visitors as well. Fujidzuka is an artificial mound made in the image of Mt. Fuji, and hydrangeas bloom on both sides of the narrow paths along it.

Additionally, refreshment booths and shops open on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival period, local schools and clubs put on hydrangea concerts, and mikoshi parade through the area. A unique toothbrush-offering event is also held during the festival.