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Aside from having the longest suspension footbridge in Japan – about 400m – Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka prefecture is also known for hosting one of the biggest hydrangea festivals near Tokyo, attracting visitors of all ages for the huge number of blue hydrangeas blooming in summer.
This year, the Hydrangea Festival will feature about 13,000 hydrangeas across 205 varieties, including Natsuzora (Summer Sky), Skywalk and Hao, the venue’s three original hydrangea species.
Photo spots will be set up along the 2km promenade on the north side of the bridge. They offer lovely scenery with the hydrangeas, Suruga Bay and even Mt Fuji.
For something refreshing after your walk, go to Mishima Skywalk’s Picnic Café for the hydrangea-inspired sundae (¥500). The cup of vanilla ice cream is topped with a crispy waffle and colourful kohakuto candy-jelly.
There’s also a hydrangea-themed pancake (¥1,100) with fresh fruit and hibiscus-flavoured whipped cream. The dessert is available at the Forest Kitchen next to the parking area, so you won’t need an entry ticket to the suspension bridge area to enjoy this treat.
At the Skywalk Café next door, you can get this summery peach and grape-flavoured drink topped with soft serve ice cream (¥500).
All the aforementioned hydrangea sweets are available from June 11 until July 15.
The Hydrangea Festival at Mishima Skywalk runs from June 11 until July 15. If you happen to come on a rainy day, you’ll get a free raincoat at the entrance.
Admission is ¥1,100 for adults, ¥500 for junior high and high school students, and ¥200 for primary school students.
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