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, transfer to the Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Line, and alight at Ikomasanjo Station. From there, the Hydrangea Garden is about 40 minutes’ walk away.
