Jalan's Top 10 hydrangea spots to brighten your rainy season

For a lot of expats in Japan (and I’m sure plenty of locals, too), the rainy season can feel like a massive test of patience. Humidity, drizzle, and trying to get my laundry dry end up driving me a little crazy when this time of year hits. I always feel that the silver lining is the flowers though, and hydrangeas are a key part of that.

If you’re also a flower fan and wondering where to go, the popular travel site Jalan recently surveyed locals to find the best places in the country to view hydrangeas. Their top 10 list is as follows!

1. Hakone Tozan Railway (Kanagawa Prefecture)

2. Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (Iwate Prefecture)

3. Unshoji Temple (Akita Prefecture)

4. Hasedera Temple (Kanagawa Prefecture)

5. Kyuanji Temple (Osaka Prefecture)

6. Kakanonji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)

7. Cape Shangri-La (Miyazaki Prefecture)

8. Mimuroto Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)

9. Mikaeri Falls (Saga Prefecture)

10. Sanuki Manno National Government Park (Kagawa Prefecture)

Ranking credit: Jalan: Ranking of Hydrangea Scenery That Will Lift Your Mood Even in the Rain.

Where are you headed this hydrangea season? Any hidden local gems you’d care to share?