Written by Aarohi Narain
Five thousand blooming hydrangeas and a rarely opened imperial retreat await at this atmospheric Kyoto temple.
What happens?
Kyoto’s Yanagidani Kannon (also known as Yōkoku-ji Temple) hosts its Hydrangea Week throughout June each year. Known for its healing powers since the Heian era, the temple will be surrounded by approximately 5,000 hydrangea blooms, making it one of Kyoto’s largest. Visitors can also enjoy the rare opening of the Kamishoin, once reserved for imperial and noble guests, offering views of the historic Jodoen garden.
See hydrangea petals floating in beautifully decorated water basins, and pick up special temple stamps (goshuin). There will also be an overhead installation of dozens of pastel umbrellas, and flower omikuji or fortunes to take home.
Schedule 2025
This event will go from June 1 to 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.).
Tickets 2025
The ¥1,000 ticket gets you access to the temple grounds. For an extra ¥1,000, you can also enter the Kamishoin. Free for high school students and younger.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station, take the Sanyo Line to Nagaokakyō Station (around 11 minutes). From there, it’s easiest to take a taxi (about 15 minutes). Otherwise, take a Hankyu Bus to Okukaiin-ji bus stop. From there, it’s about a 40-minute walk to the temple.
On the 17th of each month, a shuttle bus operates from the west exit of Nagaokakyō Station to Yanagidani Kannon (Yōkoku-ji Temple). The fare is ¥300 one way, and the bus departs once it is full, regardless of the scheduled time — so consider having a plan B.
Note that the temple is up a mountain, so expect some hiking or strenuous walking.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.