7 Best Hydrangea Spots in Nara | Check the Best Viewing Times, Famous Locations, and Hidden Gems by Area, including Hasedera, Yatadera, and Okadera!

Nara is home to many famous spots for hydrangeas that color the rainy season, alongside its historic temples and natural landscapes. This article carefully selects and introduces recommended spots that will be in full bloom in the early summer of 2025. We’ve also covered hidden gems perfect for those looking to avoid crowds, along with the unique features of each area!

Hasedera-Temple

Hasedera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara, is the head temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism and is also known as “Hana no Mitera” (The Temple of Flowers).

When is the best time to see the hydrangeas at Hasedera Temple in Nara?

The best time to see the hydrangeas at Hasedera Temple is from mid-June to mid-July, when over 3,000 hydrangea plants are in full bloom throughout the grounds.

What are the highlights of the hydrangeas at Hasedera Temple?

1. The path to the Main Hall: The path leading to Hasedera’s main hall is lined with colorful hydrangeas on both sides, welcoming visitors. Various shades of blue, purple, and pink hydrangeas decorate the walkway.
2. Around the Five-Storied Pagoda: Hydrangeas also bloom along the paths surrounding the five-storied pagoda. The sight of the hydrangeas in full bloom with the pagoda in the background offers a perfect opportunity to capture the beautiful scenery of early summer in Japan.

Okadera-Temple

Okadera Temple, located in the village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture, is formally known as “Ryugaiji.” It is famous for housing one of the three great Buddha statues of Japan. Okadera is also renowned as Japan’s first temple for “Yakuyoke” (warding off evil), making it a place rich in history and tradition. During the rainy season, the grounds are beautifully colored with hydrangeas.

The Hydrangeas of Okadera

The hydrangeas at Okadera Temple are in perfect harmony with the tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds. In the rainy season, approximately 3,000 hydrangeas fill the precincts. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, and pink, allowing visitors to feel the changing of the seasons. Similar to Hasedera Temple, many hydrangeas bloom along the stairs, creating a stunning and photogenic spot.

Highlights

• Around the Main Hall: Many hydrangeas are planted around the main hall.
• The Approach Path: Hydrangeas bloom all along both sides of the approach path, welcoming visitors. The path, where rain-moistened hydrangeas display a subdued beauty, is perfect for a stroll.
• The Garden: The garden at Okadera is another famous spot for hydrangeas. You can enjoy the hydrangeas blooming in the well-maintained garden in a calm and peaceful setting.

Hannyaji Temple

200 hydrangeas of 10 varieties surround the temple grounds. You can also enjoy early-blooming cosmos at the same time, and for those looking for a stylish hydrangea spot, this place is highly recommended, with creative displays such as hydrangeas arranged in glass jars.

It is located close enough to visit when you are at Nara Park for sights like Todaiji Temple (about a 20-minute walk from Todaiji). Other nearby tourist spots include the Former Nara Prison and Uemura Ranch.

Yatadera Temple

Hydrangeas of Yatadera Temple

Yatadera Temple, located in Yamato-Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture, is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism and is widely known as the “Hydrangea Temple.” It is home to approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants of 60 different varieties. During the rainy season, the temple grounds are adorned with a vibrant array of these flowers, attracting many visitors.

About Yatadera Temple

Yatadera is a historic temple said to have been founded in 646, the year after the Taika Reform. Its founder is the monk Gyoki, who is known for establishing numerous temples and public facilities during the Nara period. Yatadera is uniquely situated on the slope of a mountain called Mount Yata, a place of beautiful nature throughout the four seasons.
The temple’s principal image of worship is the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva (Juchimen Kannon Bosatsu), which is the center of faith at Yatadera. The temple grounds also feature many halls and structures, with the Kondo (Main Hall) and the Five-Storied Pagoda being particular highlights.

Highlights

• Throughout the Grounds: The diverse hydrangeas found all over the temple grounds are magnificent, and you can enjoy the various types of flowers as you stroll around.
• Observation Deck: From the observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of the Nara Basin along with the vast expanse of hydrangeas.

Umakami Kyuryo Park

Umakami Kyuryo Park is a prefectural park in Nara where you can see a variety of flowers throughout the year. From early June to mid-July, you can see approximately 4,000 hydrangea plants in bloom.

It is recommended to check the park’s blooming information on the official Nara Prefecture website before you visit. The link below shows the information for June 2024. https://www.pref.nara.jp/36246.htm

Kumedera Temple

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At Kumedera Temple in Kashihara City, an “Ajisai Kigan” (Hydrangea Prayer) event is held annually on the third Sunday of June.
The hydrangeas that fill the temple grounds are opened to the public (for a fee), and you can also enjoy new varieties of the flower.
Nearby, you can also visit other sites such as Kashihara Jingu Shrine.

The Museum Yamato Bunkakan

The Museum Yamato Bunkakan, located in Nara City, is a place where a Japanese garden and an art museum merge, and it is also known as a famous spot for hydrangeas. Although smaller in scale compared to the other locations introduced, many hydrangeas still beautifully color the garden.

Highlights

• Japanese Garden: You can spend a relaxing time among the hydrangeas blooming within the beautiful Japanese garden.
• After Enjoying the Museum: When visiting the art museum, you can also enjoy the hydrangeas in the garden as an added pleasure.

It seems that on the slope facing the pond, you can enjoy the sight of both standard hydrangeas and lacecap hydrangeas blooming together. Additionally, along the path to the main building, Agapanthus flowers are also in bloom, so you can enjoy flowers other than hydrangeas as well.

Nara Hydrangea Spots 2025: Summary

Nara Prefecture is home to numerous hydrangea spots that exist in harmony with historic temples and nature. The famous locations and hidden gems introduced in this article are sure to fascinate visitors with their beautiful flowers again in 2025. From classic destinations to spots known only by a few, we hope you find your own personal favorite.

Check the best viewing times and access information in advance to make your hydrangea tour in Nara the best day possible. Enjoy a special early summer in Nara, where the hydrangeas are in full bloom.