Nara's Most Beautiful Hydrangea Temples Discover Four Stunning Hydrangea Destinations This Early Summer

2026.07.08

When the rainy season arrives, ancient temples across Nara are transformed by vibrant hydrangeas in full bloom. Blending centuries-old architecture with colorful flowers, these temples offer a peaceful atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan. If you're looking to experience the beauty of early summer, Nara's hydrangea temples are not to be missed. Here are four of the best places to enjoy hydrangeas in Nara.

Hasedera Temple (Sakurai City) - The "Temple of Flowers" at Its most magical season of the year

Known throughout Japan as the "Temple of Flowers," Hasedera becomes especially breathtaking during hydrangea season.

Around 3,000 hydrangea bushes bloom along the famous 399-step covered corridor leading to the main hall, creating a scene that resembles a traditional Japanese painting. From late June to mid-July, visitors can enjoy a harmonious blend of colorful blossoms, historic wooden architecture, and lush mountain scenery.

Highlights:

・Approximately 3,000 hydrangea plants

・A long-covered walkway and a spectacular view of hydrangeas

・The mountains in early summer as viewed from the main hall's stage.

Access:

731-1 Hatsuse , Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-0112

TEL: 0744-47-7001

Nearest station: About 18 minutes walking from Kintetsu "Hasedera" Station.

Hase-dera Temple, the head temple of the Yamato region of Nara , known for its beautiful flowers.

Okadera Temple (Asuka Village) - A hot topic on social media! "Flower-decorated water basin" adorning the water's surface.

Okadera Temple is known as Japan's first sacred site for warding off evil.

In early summer, the temple grounds become a photogenic space with the appearance of "Hanachozu" (flower water basin) and "Hana no Ike" (flower pond) adorned with vibrant hydrangeas. The combination of about 200 hydrangea pots and adorable Jizo statues is also popular. The best time to see them is from late May to early July.

Highlights:

・Hanatemizu

・Hana no Ike

・Hydrangeas and Jizo statues

access:

806 Oka , Asuka mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture Prefecture 634-0111

TEL: 0744-54-2007

Nearest station: Kintetsu " Kashihara mae" Station

From the east exit of Kintetsu "Kashihara mae" Station, take the Narakotsu bus and get off at "Okadera-mae" bus stop, then walk for about 10 minutes.

Okadera Temple, Japan's first temple for warding off evil.

Tsubosakadera Temple (Takatori Town) - A spectacular view of the "Great Buddha" surrounded by hydrangeas.

The main attraction at Tsubosaka-dera Temple is the "Tsubosaka Great Buddha," which stands approximately 15 meters tall.

During hydrangea season, colorful hydrangea pots line the area around the Great Buddha, creating a fantastical scene known as the "Hydrangea Buddha." The harmony between the hydrangeas and the Indian-derived stone Buddha statues and the vast temple grounds is also a major attraction. The best time to see them is from late May to early July.

Highlights:

・Hydrangea Buddha

• Large Kannon stone statue

・The contrast between the green of the mountains and the hydrangeas

Access:

3 Tsubosaka , Takatori Town, Nara Prefecture Prefecture 635-0102

TEL: 0744-52-2016

Nearest station:

Weekdays: Kintetsu " Kashihara" Station or Kintetsu "Tsubosakayama" Station

From the east exit of Kashihara mae Station, take bus route 51 or 52 bound for Shimoichi Station (about 13 minutes), get off at the 'Tsubosakadera-guchi' bus stop, and walk for 30 minutes.

On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, get off at Kintetsu "Tsubosakayama" Station, take bus route 20 bound for Tsubosakadera-mae, and get off at the "Tsubosakadera-mae" bus stop.

The sixth temple on the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage - Tsubosaka-dera Temple

Hannyaji Temple (Nara City) - "Glass Ball Hydrangeas" that can only be seen in Nara.

Hannyaji Temple is famous as the "cosmos temple," but in recent years it has also become very popular as a hydrangea spot.

The "Hydrangea Glass Ball," featuring hydrangeas floating in a transparent glass ball, is a unique attraction here. About 300 hydrangea bushes bloom on the temple grounds, and from mid-to-late June, visitors can enjoy both hydrangeas and early-blooming cosmos flowers at the same time.

Highlights

・Glass ball hydrangea

・Stone Buddha and hydrangeas

・Hydrangeas and cosmos flowers blooming together

Access:

221 Hannyaji-cho , Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8102

TEL: 0742-22-6287

Nearest station: JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station. From there, take bus route 118 or 153, get off at the "Hannyaji" bus stop and walk for 3 minutes.

Shingon Ritsu sect, Hoshozan Cosmos Temple - Hannya-ji Temple

Hasedera Temple, with its adorned stone steps; Oka-dera Temple, with its beautiful flower-filled water basin; Tsubosaka-dera Temple, where the Great Buddha and hydrangeas coexist; and Hannya-ji Temple, popular for its fantastical glass ball hydrangeas.

One of Nara 's charms is that it's not as crowded as Kyoto , allowing you to leisurely explore its historic temples.

Why not soothe your soul with a trip to Nara—surrounded by colorful hydrangeas—during the gloomy rainy season?