News Discussion

Popular Hydrangea Spots to Brighten Up a Rainy Day

As Japan enters the rainy season, it's the perfect time to enjoy the soft, colorful blooms of hydrangeas. Travel site JALAN NEWS has released a list of the top five stunning hydrangea spots to lift your spirits on a rainy day. The ranking is based on a March survey of 1,027 people. Here are some highlights.

・Hydrangea Train

Topping the list is the "Hydrangea Train" in Kanagawa Prefecture, operated by Odakyu Hakone. This seasonal nickname refers to the Hakone Tozan Railway, which takes passengers to the popular Hakone hot springs. During the rainy season, the route is lined with blooming hydrangeas, offering stunning views right from your seat.

From June 13 to 30, the flowers are also illuminated at night, creating a dreamlike scene. For an even more special experience, try the "Night Hydrangea Train," a reserved service that runs after dark.

・Hydrangea Garden in Iwate

In second place is the Michinoku Hydrangea Garden in Iwate Prefecture. This expansive garden features around 400 varieties of hydrangeas in full bloom. Visitors can stroll along three trails to enjoy the dazzling display of colors.

A highlight is the "Hydrangea Pond," where freshly cut flowers float across the water like a vivid floral carpet. The best viewing period is from July 4 to 21.

・Temple in Osaka

Also making the list is Kyuanji Temple in Osaka Prefecture, ranked fifth. This temple is known for its rare Uzu Hydrangea, also called "Otafuku Hydrangea," with its distinctive curled petals. From June 20 to 30, visitors can enjoy the sight of these flowers floating in Gusoku Pond.

Hydrangeas bloom from the rainy season through early summer. Even on cloudy days, their brilliant shades of blue, purple, and pink bring cheer. When their petals catch the rain, they take on a beautiful soft glow.

1. 1. bloom 　（花が）咲く
   Many flowers bloom in this park from early spring to late summer.
2. 2. illuminate　照らす、ライトアップする
   They illuminated the castle at night for the special event.
3. 3. trail　小道、散策路
   We walked along a quiet forest trail and saw many birds.
4. 4. float　浮かぶ、～を浮かせる
   The balloon floated up slowly until it disappeared into the clouds.
5. 5. glow　ほのかな光、光沢
   The candles gave a warm glow to the room.

1. 1. What is the “Hydrangea Train,” and where does it operate?
2. 2. How can visitors enjoy the Michinoku Hydrangea Garden in Iwate?
3. 3. What is special about the hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple?
4. 4. What's your favorite flower in any season?
5. 5. Do you enjoy visiting gardens or nature spots when it’s raining? Why or why not?

梅雨入りの時期に、見頃を迎えるアジサイ。全国にある「雨でも気分が上がるアジサイ絶景スポット」のベスト5を、旅行情報サイト「じゃらんニュース」が公表しました。

小田急箱根「あじさい電車」（神奈川県）

みちのくあじさい園（岩手県）

雲昌寺（秋田県）

鎌倉　長谷寺（神奈川県）

久安寺（大阪府）

ランキングは3月に実施したアンケート（1027人が回答）で決定。1位は、小田急箱根（神奈川県）が運行する「あじさい電車」でした。箱根温泉へのアクセスでおなじみの箱根登山電車がこの時期、愛称でそう呼ばれます。

人気の理由は丹精込めて育てられたアジサイを車窓から楽しめるから。今年は13～30日の夜にライトアップされ、昼間と違う幻想的な雰囲気を醸し出します。ロマンチックな時間を過ごしたいときは座席指定列車「夜のあじさい号」に乗車しましょう。

続いて2位は、岩手県が誇る「みちのくあじさい園」。広大な土地に約400種のアジサイが咲き競う様子は圧巻です。園内には3つの散策コースがあり、色とりどりのアジサイを愛（め）でながら、散策を楽しめます。見どころは7月4～21日まで、色とりどりの摘んだアジサイが浮かぶ「あじさいの池」です。カラフルな絨毯（じゅうたん）を広げたような光景は息をのむほどの美しさで写真映えも抜群。思い出に残る一枚が撮れるはずです。

5位の「久安寺」（大阪府）も見逃せないスポットです。ユニークな姿のウズアジサイ（別名オタフクアジサイ）などに出合えるのも魅力の一つ。こちらも摘んだアジサイを浮かべた「具足池」が見どころで、20～30日まで楽しめます。

アジサイ観賞が楽しめるのは梅雨から夏にかけての時期。長雨の季節でも、青や紫、ピンクなどカラフルな色合いを見ていると、気分が晴れやかになりますよね。水滴により輝く様子も美しいので、ぜひ梅雨の季節に足を運んでみてください。きっと心に残る光景に出合えるはずです。