Kaisei Hydrangea Village

 

The gloomy rainy weather turns colorful in an instant if you see a hydrangea garden around you. A secret spell of happiness is mixed in every bunches of these bright blue or pink flowers. What if you get an opportunity to see the cluster of hydrangeas beside a vast paddy field surrounded by blue Mountains? One such beautiful spot near Tokyo is called Kaisei Ajisai Park or Kaisei hydrangea Village.

History of Kaisei Hydrangea Village

It is said that, in the year 1977, Hydrangea was introduced as the ‘town flower’ of this Kaisei machi city. Then in 1983, about 5000 saplings were planted at the sides of the paddy fields.  Since the flowers blossomed in 1988, many people have flocked to the area to enjoy the beauty of the flowers. That is why the Kaisei Cho Hydrangea Festival was first started that year and at the same time, the place was named Hydrangea Village. This is the real story of this place. Even today, in the rainy season, when the flowers here intensify the beauty of the place, people gather here to enjoy that.

kaisei Hydrangea village

The Hydrangea Festival is usually held here every year during the flowers bloom (Mid June to early July), food stalls are set up and various events are held to entertain the visitors in all possible ways. But last year and this year the show has been off for Covid-19. Although the joy of viewing flowers is not diminishing in any part.

Mt. Fuji & Blue Hydrangea

Although it is very close to Tokyo, yet far from the hustle and bustle of city life, this town is a great place to spend your weekend in nature. Hydrangea plants can be seen in rows not only next to the paddy fields but also near the small tea gardens or along with the orange garden.

Hydrangea beside Tea garden

Like rainbow various colors of flowers can be seen here, some are dark blue, some are purple or pink and some are white as snow. It is said that an acidic or low pH causes the blue color of the hydrangea and alkaline or a higher pH causes pinkness. Whatever the reason behind this, the results are gorgeous!

Even if you get tired of walking along the beautifully paved road in the middle of the paddy field, there will be no shortage of flowers! 

The flowers blooming by the side of the small streamy drain also create a beautiful sight.

However, people here can't speak English too much, but that will not create any problem for foreign travelers. They are very kind and helpful and try their best to help visitors.

How to Go 

From Yokohama >  (via. JR Tokaido Line) Odawara Station > (via. Odakyu Line) Kaisei Station

From Shinjuku > (via.  Odakyu Line) Kaisei Station

Then, 40-50 minute’s walk from Odakyu Line Kaisei Station,

or shuttle bus (charged) 10 minutes,

or rental cycle (charged)

From Shin-Matsuda Station, JR Matsuda Station 25 minute’s walk,

or Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Sekimoto (7-8 minutes) Get off at Yoshida Shrine(Yoshidajinjairiguchi Bus Stop) and walk 1 minute

Entrance :  Free

Be sure to check out our vlog to learn more about the place