みちのくあじさい園
Hydrangea Festival (Late June, July)
Feel the earthen track beneath your feet as you indulge in views of spectacular hydrangea flowers in every direction. The harmony between the forest and flowers helps preserve a completely authentic experience in nature.
The Japan Hydrangea Association has certified Michinoku Hydrangea Garden as Japan’s No. 1 hydrangea garden. The magical forest boasts 40,000 hydrangea plants of 400 types, varying in shapes and colors. The garden has three main trails: the 1.2km Okuhime (奥姫) Course, the 900m Kurenai (くれない) Course, and the 650m Miyama (深山) Course. As the courses are connected, you can complete them all, although exploring the site might take a few hours. Most people walk these routes, but they can be traversed by cart if one is available. The smaller routes throughout the garden can only be walked.
I highly recommend two major photo spots on your visit. The first one is the アナベル畑 (Annabell Field), a vast expanse of hydrangeas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The second spot is the アジサイ池 (Hydrangea Pond), where you can find a beautiful pond filled with vivid hydrangeas. Make sure to check the details to see when the hydrangea pond will be formed.
*Don't underestimate Northern Japan summers...Ichinoseki can get very hot and humid. So make sure to bring enough water and a hat. After rain, the footing can get a little slippery and muddy.
Details (2024)
Date: Hydrangea opening period: June 25th (Tuesday) to July 25th (Thursday) Hydrangea pond: July 6th (Sat) - July 25th (Thu), 2024 *The schedule may change depending on the flowering situation.
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 *more info on public transport below. Admission:
6/25~7/5, 2024: Adults 1000 yen (high school students and above)
7/6-7/25, 2024: Adults 1,300 yen (high school students and above)
500 yen for elementary and junior high school students, free for preschoolers and below.
Homepage (JP): https://www.ichitabi.jp/spot/data.php?p=36
Public Transport
Bus:
Ichinoseki Station West Exit Bus Terminal, Platform 3 Toban Kotsu Bus, Geibikei, Surisawa Line
Time required: Approximately 32 minutes to Mizukami (水上）→ Approximately 15-20 minute walk
Bus Timetable
Way there > Departing from Ichinoseki 9:45, 13:00
Way back < Departing from Mizukami 12:00, 16:00
Fare: 300yen one way
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the hydrangea season, a free shuttle bus/mini van runs between the Mizukami bus stop and the hydrangea garden. Depending on how crowded it is, you may not be able to board right away.
Kalmia Festival (Early to late June)
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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