The best places to see hydrangeas in Osaka and Kyoto in summer 2026

Nestled in the northwest corner of the expansive Natural and Cultural Gardens at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, the gorgeous Hydrangea Forest was renovated just last year. It now boasts roughly 50 varieties of hydrangeas in a spectacular array of vivid hues. 

During the festival, you can also check out two site-specific installations that double as photo spots. The ‘Forest Palette’ features a circular formation with vibrant ribbons radiating from a central tower. Meanwhile, ‘Graffiti Street’ is more interactive. Here, you are encouraged to write down messages on colourful stickers and affix them to large boards adorned with outlines of rainbows and hydrangeas, ultimately transforming the displays into a collaborative work of mosaic art.

You can check the hydrangeas’ blooming status here before you go...

Nestled in the forests of Higashi-Osaka straddling the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures, Nukata Park is home to the Kansai region’s largest hydrangea garden. It boasts roughly 25,000 plants of 30 varieties, including the rare, star-shaped Shichidanka, also known as the Phantom Hydrangea. During peak bloom, usually between late June and early July, the hydrangeas burst out in a spectacular riot of colours. You’ll find them all along a 1.5km hiking trail on the slopes of Mt. Ikoma.

The Nukata Park Information Center will open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival period, offering guidance to visitors as well as selling drinks and ice cream to help everyone stay cool.

As the garden follows a mountain trail, proper walking or trekking shoes are recommended. For the easiest access, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Ikoma Station...

The Hydrangea Fair at Nagai Botanical Gardens is one of the largest events of its kind in Osaka, showcasing approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom.

Besides the flowers themselves, programme highlights include displays of hydrangeas floating in water basins and an exhibition of different varieties of the bloom on a glass shelf, showcasing hues ranging from lilac and pink to purple and blue. Beautiful photo spots will also be set up in the garden: think hydrangea-coloured umbrellas suspended in mid-air, and a path decorated with traditional Japanese wind chimes that tinkle in the breeze.

The gardens are open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm. Tickets cost ¥300 for adults and ¥200 for university and high school students.

Located in southern Kyoto, the ancient Fujinomori Shrine is closely associated with horses, making it a popular site for prayers among jockeys and racing enthusiasts. For the general public, however, the shrine’s biggest draw is its two lush gardens, which burst into vibrant colour in early summer.

Starting from May 30 for roughly a month – depending on the flowering situation – the shrine opens its two expansive gardens to the public to enjoy roughly 3,500 hydrangea plants blooming in all colours. The best times to visit are on weekends, when the shrine hosts special dedication ceremonies and cultural activities...

If you’re looking to experience a serene, ancient temple without the overwhelming crowds of central Kyoto, get off the beaten track and make your way to the mountainside Mimurotoji on the outskirts of Uji City. Founded in 770, this sprawling temple complex is home to an elegant three-tiered red pagoda as well as expansive grounds featuring a dry landscape garden, a pond, and some of the region’s most beautiful displays of seasonal flowers.  

Mimurotoji looks especially colourful from late spring through early summer, with azaleas blooming in May, followed by hydrangeas in June and lotus flowers in July. In fact, the temple boasts one of the most spectacular hydrangea sights in the Kansai region, with 20,000 plants across 50 varieties growing under tall cedar trees.  

For the most awe-inspiring scenery, visit on a Saturday or Sunday between June 13 and June 28, when the garden comes aglow with illuminations after dark...