Japan is famous for its spring carpet of cherry blossom and autumnal red leaves. Less well known are the hydrangeas – ajisai in Japanese – that brighten up the dreary June rainy season.

yata-dera

Yata-dera Temple/ Nara

yoshimine-dera-hydrangea

Yoshimine-dera Temple/ Kyoto

nukata enchi

Nukata-Enchi Park/ Osaka

fujinomori shrine

Fujinomori Shrine/ Kyoto

expo ajisai

The Expo’70 Commemorative Park/ Osaka

hase-dera hydrangea

Hase-dera Temple/ Nara

Ajisai

Sanzen-in Temple/ Kyoto

mimurotoji

Mimuroto-ji Temple/ Kyoto

gansen-ji

Gansen-ji Temple / Kyoto

Chokyu-ji Temple / Nara