Approximately 3,500 Hydrangeas Fill the Precincts – Also known as ‘Ajisai Palace’, “Fujimori Shrine”

“Fujimori Shrine”(藤森神社) is approximately 15 minutes by train or bus from Kyoto Station and is known for the gods of victory and horses. Recently, this shrine has become popular with the hydrangeas in full bloom in the precincts called ‘Ajisai Palace’. There are as many as 3,500 flowers! You can enjoy taking pictures while surrounded by many beautiful hydrangeas. The best season is until early July every year. The scenery which fills with colorful hydrangeas is really overwhelming.

Fujimori Shrine is known as a benefit for bringing victory because it’s dedicated to the deity of martial arts. This shrine is also famous as the birthplace of the iris, and it’s said that the god of the shrine dwells in a warrior doll displayed in each house during this time. In addition, in the Fujimori Festival held according to Sekku (節句, annual rituals), you can enjoy a procession of samurai parading through the town with 3 portable shrines. Although the festival is crowded with many people every year, among them, Kakeuma Shinji, an acrobatic trick-riding event is powerful and worth seeing. It’s a traditional Shinto ritual that has been passed down for 1,200 years and is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Kyoto City.

Hydrangea has become a hot topic in such a traditional shrine in recent years. There are 2 vast hydrangea gardens and about 3,500 various colors of hydrangea flowers such the blue, purple, and pink are in full bloom. This shrine is also known as ‘Ajisai Palace’ because all the hydrangeas are about the same height, creating an overwhelming sight. The best season is from early June to early July every year, and they started the hydrangea public garden on 3rd June 2023. Various events are scheduled for the period, so please check them out.