みちのくあじさい園 Hydrangea Festival (Late June, July)
Feel the earthen track beneath your feet,
As vibrant blooms of hydrangeas greet.
In every direction, colours unfold,
A tapestry of beauty, a sight to behold.
Harmony reigns, a symphony sweet,
Where earth and flowers in union meet.
In this authentic realm, let your spirit soar,
Amongst the hydrangeas, forever explore.
The Japan Hydrangea Association has certified Michinoku Hydrangea Garden as Japan’s No. 1 hydrangea garden. The magical cedar forest the size of four Tokyo Domes, boasts 40,000 hydrangea plants of 400 types, varying in shapes and colors. The garden has three main trails: the 1.2 km Okuhime (奥姫) Course, the 900 m Kurenai (くれない) Course, and the 650 m Miyama (深山) Course. The courses are connected, although it may take a few hours to explore the site. While most walk the courses, they can be enjoyed via cart if one is available. The smaller paths within the garden are only accessible on foot.
I highly recommend you to check out two incredible photo spots during your visit! First up is the breathtaking アナベル畑 (Annabell Field), where you'll be mesmerized by a vast expanse of hydrangeas stretching endlessly before you. Next, don't miss the enchanting アジサイ池 (Hydrangea Pond), a pond filled with hydrangeas that float on the surface. Be sure to look at the details below to find out when the hydrangea pond will be formed.
*Don't underestimate Northern Japan summers...Ichinoseki can get very hot and humid. Make sure to bring enough water and a hat. After rain, the footing can get a little slippery and muddy.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available only at the entrance.
Details (2025)
Date: *Currently closed as of 2025
★ Hydrangea period: June 25 (Wed) - July 21 (Mon, holiday)
*Hydrangea Pond: July 4 (Fri) - July 21 (Mon, holiday)
Hours: 8:00-17:00 (Last admission until 16:00)
Address: 岩手県一関市舞川字原沢111
https://goo.gl/maps/HAZjA4PBohs
Access: Bus or car *Parking space for approximately 160 cars (Number of parking spaces may vary depending on the situation, such as for large buses) *more info on public transport below.
Admission:
*Payment by cash only
June 25th - July 3rd: 1,000 yen for adults (high school students and above)
July 4th - July 21st: 1,500 yen for adults (high school students and above)
Elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen Preschoolers: free
Carts: Reservations are prioritized, 3-4 seats, 800 yen per person, staff will drive for about 40 minutes, pets are not allowed on the carts.
Homepage (JP): https://www.ichitabi.jp/spot/data.php?p=36
Transport
Bus:
Ichinoseki Station West Exit Bus Terminal, Bus Stop No. 3
Toban Kotsu Bus, Geibikei, Surisawa Line
Time required: Approximately 32 minutes. Get off at "Mizukami" (水上) → Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot
[Toban Kotsu Bus Timetable 東磐交通バス]
Going: Departing from Ichinoseki Station 9:45, 13:00
Returning: Departing from Mizukami (水上) Bus Stop 12:00, 16:00
*These are the only buses
Fare (one way): 300 yen
If the bus is full, please use a taxi.
[Mizukami Bus Stop > Hydrangea Garden Shuttle Bus (Free)]
Operating period: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the Hydrangea Festival.
Departure and arrival point: Mizukami bus stop to the Hydrangea Garden
The shuttle bus is a medium sized vehicle, so depending on how busy it is, you may not be able to board right away.
*The shuttle bus is scheduled to run according to the arrival and departure times of the Toban Kotsu bus at the Mizukami bus stop, but there may be some delays depending on things such as the road conditions.
*This shuttle bus only runs between the Mizukami bus stop and the hydrangea garden. It does not depart from Ichinoseki Station.
Taxi
Approximately 25 minutes from Ichinoseki Station, approximately 4,300 yen (one way)
Kalmia Festival (Early to late June)
Outside of hydrangea season, kalmia or mountain laurels bring brilliant color to the forest expanse during the month of June. The perfect time to see these flowers are when they are in partial bloom as the buds are super cute!
Details 2024
Date: June 5 to June 20
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (final entry 16:30
Admission: 1000yen (high school students and above)
500yen (elementary school students), free for preschoolers and below
Location: Michinoku Hydrangea Park
Contact: Ichinoseki City Tourism Association
TEL 0191-23-0066 OPEN 9:00-17:30
Shakunage Festival (Late April to mid-May)
Michinoku Hydrangea Garden, as the name suggests, is famous for hydrangea which bloom in late June-July, but as of 2019, displays of rhododendron colour the cedar forest. There are 15 varieties and 250 trees. The number of flowers in bloom are few in comparison to the hydrangea festival, but the size and the vividness of the rhododendron make this festival special too.
Details 2024
Date: April 28 to May 15
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Admission: 1000yen
500yen (elementary school students), free for preschoolers and below
Location: Michinoku Hydrangea Park Contact: Ichinoseki City Tourism Association TEL 0191-23-0066 OPEN 9:00-17:30
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