The Japan Meteorological Agency announced the start of the rainy season in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions on June 7, 2026. Hydrangea flowers, known as ajisai in Japanese, bloom perfectly in time with tsuyu, Japan’s rainy season. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260607_11/
Koin Temple, located in the Shimosekisuiji-cho area in the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, belongs to the Soto Zen school in Japanese Buddhism. Koin Temple is a hidden gem famous for its stunning display of over 1,000 blooming hydrangeas. Every June, the temple’s quiet mountain paths and historic gates come alive with vibrant colors, making it a beloved local spot during the rainy season.
Soto-shu (Soto Zen): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dt%C5%8D; https://www.sotozen.com/eng/about/index.html
Koin Temple, the Soto Zen school
Shimosekisuiji-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 6/09/2026
Koinji, Shimosekisuiji-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 6/09/2026
Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrangea_macrophylla
Bigleaf hydrangea, Koinji, Shimosekisuiji-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 6/08/2026
Hydrangea macrophylla cv. ‘Uzuazisai’: (In Japanese) https://www.kobe-park.or.jp/cgi-bin/rikyu/zukan/index.cgi?file=zukan&mode=detail&select=1302349118; https://kawasakimidori.main.jp/webzukan/ajisai_p2.html#uzu
Hydrangea macrophylla cv. ‘Uzuazisai’, Koinji, Shimosekisuiji-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 6/08/2026
Hydrangea macrophylla cv. ‘Shirotemari‘: https://www.kazahayanosato.com/shirotemari/
Hydrangea macrophylla cv. ‘Shirotemari‘, Koinji, Shimosekisuiji-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 6/08/2026