[Ibaraki Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival] A spectacular spot with colorful hydrangeas and a historic temple

What is the Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival?

The Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival is a beautiful celebration of hydrangeas held every June at Amehiki Kannon (Amabikisan Rakuhoji) in Ibaraki Prefecture.

In the temple grounds, over 5,000 hydrangeas are planted, blooming in a variety of colors during the rainy season.

Amehiki Kannon is known as a temple that offers blessings for safe childbirth and child-rearing, attracting many visitors since ancient times.

The picturesque scenery created by the surrounding nature and hydrangeas is enchanting, making it a popular spot for international tourists to enjoy the seasonal beauty of Japan.

This article will provide detailed information about the highlights, event details, and access methods for the Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival!

The Charm of the Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival

1. The Beautiful Collaboration of Amehiki Kannon and Hydrangeas

Amehiki Kannon is a historic temple founded in the 6th century, officially known as "Amabikisan Rakuhoji."

In the temple grounds, over 5,000 hydrangeas bloom in blue, purple, pink, and white during the rainy season.

Highlights of Amehiki Kannon's Hydrangeas

• Spectacular views of hydrangeas spread across the mountain slopes
• Picturesque hydrangeas blooming with the main hall and five-story pagoda in the background
• The mystical scenery of rain-drenched hydrangeas shining more vividly

The language of hydrangea flowers is "capricious" and "family gathering," matching the serene atmosphere of Amehiki Kannon to create a healing space for the soul.

2. Event Period and Recommended Visiting Times

The Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival is held from early June to early July annually.

The blooming status of hydrangeas varies with the weather, but the peak viewing period is from mid to late June.

Recommended Visiting Times

• Morning (8:00-10:00): Fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the hydrangeas quietly
• Evening (16:00-18:00): Soft sunlight makes it ideal for photography

Since it's the rainy season, it’s advisable to bring rain gear (umbrellas or raincoats) for peace of mind.

3. History and Blessings of Amehiki Kannon

Amehiki Kannon is a historic temple founded in 587 AD, affiliated with the Shingon sect's Buzan school.

The name "Amehiki" originates from a legend of being a temple that calls for rain, and it has long been revered as a deity for agriculture.

Blessings of Amehiki Kannon

• Safe childbirth & child-rearing (famous as a temple that protects the health of mothers and children)
• Academic success & exam passing (popular among students)
• Healing illnesses & health prayers (many visit to pray for family health)

Additionally, the temple grounds feature peacocks roaming freely, a graceful sight to behold.

When visiting, be sure to offer prayers at the main hall and receive blessings.

4. Nearby Tourist Attractions

When visiting the Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival, it’s recommended to enjoy nearby tourist attractions as well.

① Mount Tsukuba

• A renowned peak with an elevation of 877 meters, offering opportunities for hiking and mountain climbing
• From the summit, you can overlook the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, see Mount Fuji

② Kasama Inari Shrine

• One of Japan's three major Inari shrines, offering prosperity in business and fortune
• You can also experience pottery making with Kasama ware

③ Tsukuba Expo Center

• A facility where you can experience space and science, popular with families
• Enjoy one of Japan’s largest planetariums

When touring Ibaraki, be sure to not only visit the hydrangeas at Amehiki Kannon but also explore surrounding attractions!

Convenient Information for Travelers

Access Information (How to Get to Amehiki Kannon)

Access by Train and Bus

• From Tokyo: About 70 minutes by JR Joban Line to "Tomobe Station" → Take Kantetsu Bus to "Amehiki Kannon Entrance" → About 10 minutes on foot
• From Mito Station: About 40 minutes by JR Mito Line to "Iwase Station" → About 15 minutes by taxi

Access by Car

• From Tokyo: About 20 minutes from the Joban Expressway "Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC"
• From Mito: About 1 hour via National Route 50

Parking Information

• Free parking available on the temple grounds (arrive early during the autumn leaves and hydrangea seasons as it gets crowded)

Wi-Fi Information

• Wi-Fi is not available within the temple grounds, so downloading maps in advance is convenient
• Free Wi-Fi is available at cafes and tourist information centers in the Tsukuba area

Language Support

• English and Chinese pamphlets are available at tourist information centers
• English guidance is limited at Amehiki Kannon, so a translation app is reassuring



Summary and Frequently Asked Questions

The Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival is a beautiful event in Ibaraki that can be enjoyed even during the rainy season.

The scenery of rain-drenched hydrangeas coloring the temple grounds is worth a visit!

Experience Japan’s seasons while offering prayers at the historic Amehiki Kannon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best season for the Amehiki Kannon Hydrangea Festival?

A: The best time to see hydrangeas is from mid to late June! Weekends are crowded, so weekdays are recommended.

Q: Can it be enjoyed even on rainy days?

A: Rain enhances the beauty of hydrangeas! Bringing rain gear is reassuring.

Q: Are there places to have lunch nearby?

A: There are many places near Mount Tsukuba where you can enjoy soba noodles and local cuisine.

Q: Is it suitable for children?

A: The temple grounds have spacious areas and peacocks, making it recommended for families!

Experience the beauty of hydrangeas at Ibaraki's Amehiki Kannon!