Only at the start of summer in Tokyo: Iki Iki Ajisai Hydrangea Festival

The Iki Iki Ajisai Hydrangea Festival will be held at Asakusa Chokokuji Temple which is famous for the Tori no Ichi Festival in Tokyo. It’s not an overstatement to say that this is the only spot in Japan where you can see around 100 different types of “Ajisai”. Ajisai is the Japanese word for hydrangea. The colorful hydrangeas capture the hearts of those that see them every year in June.

“Iki Iki” in the festival name means “full of life” in Japanese. As the name suggests, the hydrangeas here are not only beautiful but their vibrant colors showcase how full of life they are. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, they bloom elegantly in the humid air of Japan’s rainy season. It’s like they are in symbiosis with the nature around them. From blue to purple to pink to white — The transforming colors are all magical. Every time you visit, you see a different side to the hydrangeas, and you can’t help but stop to look.

At the venue of the festival, there will be performances and local street vendors by the hundreds of hydrangeas. Some of the highlights are the Hanachozu (floating flower art) and Japanese stamps that utilize the hydrangeas. Along with being a great spot for photos, this festival is also a place to experience unique Japanese culture.

Above all else, the best part of this festival is the mix of locals and travelers. Local families with children, groups of women in kimonos, foreign tourists with cameras in hand. All kinds of people can be seen enjoying the season in the same shared space. This is a mark of a unique Tokyo-esque vibe.

Additionally, if you put on a yukata (traditional Japanese wear), you will be able to fully experience Tokyo in Japan’s rainy season. The hotel is more modern, but the hydrangeas provide a contrast that is perfect for a little reset during your trip. Look around, walk around, and feel. Come by and experience a festival of rainy seasons flowers.