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Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Shimoda Hydrangea Festival

JuneIzu
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Overview

Overview

A flower festival held every June in Shimoda Park, overlooking Shimoda Port at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. About 3 million blooms of more than 100 hydrangea varieties fill the walking paths, on a scale billed as "Japan's largest hydrangea colony." The 55th festival was held in 2026, and admission is free.

When
Usually June 1–30 (peak bloom mid- to late June)
Venue
Shimoda Park (Shiroyama Park) and other locations in Shimoda City
Official website
https://www.shimoda-city.info/ajisai
Highlights

Highlights

The biggest draw is the view from the hilltop paths over the hydrangeas to Shimoda Port and the blue sea. The colonies covering entire slopes are breathtaking, and on rainy days the colors deepen, giving the park a different mood from sunny days.

Times

Times

Bamboo lantern and hydrangea illumination (Ryosenji Temple and Ajisai Road)19:00–21:00

Example of a related event in 2026

Rest area (local products and food)9:00–16:00

2026 example

Shimoda taiko drum performances10:00– / 11:15– / 12:30–

Held on June 14, 21, and 28 (Sun) in 2026; canceled in rain

Temporary parking (near the Commodore Perry Landing Monument)8:00–18:00

600 yen per visit, about 70 spaces in 2026

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The park is mostly hilly slopes and stairs. It's about a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the viewpoint and about 20 minutes to the main hydrangea colony, so wear comfortable shoes
  • ✓It's the rainy season, so bring a folding umbrella or raincoat. Paths get slippery after rain
  • ✓In the evening, you can also enjoy the bamboo lantern illumination around Ryosenji Temple (19:00–21:00 in 2026)
  • ✓Shimoda is about 3 hours one way from Tokyo, so for a day trip take an early limited express, or stay a night at Shimoda Onsen
  • ✓Cars cannot enter the park. If driving, use the temporary (paid) parking
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Izukyu-Shimoda Station (Izukyu Line)About 15–20 min on footWalking from the station via Perry Road is also recommended
From major stations
  • Tokyo Station: JR Limited Express Odoriko or Saphir Odoriko direct to Izukyu-Shimoda Station (About 2 hr 40 min – 3 hours)
  • Atami Station: JR Ito Line and Izukyu Line to Izukyu-Shimoda Station (About 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 40 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
There is no dedicated shuttle. Take a route bus from Izukyu-Shimoda Station bound for Shimoda Floating Aquarium and get off at Shimoda Koen-shita, right by the park (220 yen one way, about 5–10 min, per 2026 information). In 2026, a special JR limited express, the "Shimoda Ajisai-sai", also ran on some dates
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards can be used on JR lines (as far as Atami) and the Izukyu Line. Check whether they can be used on route buses when you board
Getting back
  • Limited expresses toward Tokyo are infrequent, so check your return train times and reserve seats in advance
  • On weekend afternoons, roads and parking lots around Shimoda Station get crowded. The train is the safer choice
  • Buses to the station are infrequent at some times of day, so check the timetable or walk back (about 15–20 min)
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekends and daytime during peak bloom in mid- to late June
Quieter times
Weekday mornings (right after the park opens) and days with light rain
Time needed
About 1–1.5 hours to walk the park. Half a day if you include a stroll along Perry Road and a meal
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
In southern Izu in June, night temperatures are generally around 18–20°C (a reference value based on JMA normals). It can feel chilly on rainy days
What to wear
Short sleeves with a light layer. Rain gear and non-slip shoes are a must. It gets hot and humid when the sun comes out, so bring a hat and drinks too
Rain, snow & typhoons
You can view the hydrangeas even in the rain. Outdoor events such as the Shimoda taiko performances are canceled in rain (2026 example). In severe weather, the park's paths can be dangerous, so don't push it
Where to check for cancellations
Shimoda City Tourism Association (0558-22-1531), Shimoda City Tourism and Exchange Division (0558-22-3913), Shimoda City Tourism Association official website
☁ Tokyo & Around weather in June →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Take your trash home
  • !Do not break or pick the hydrangeas. Do not leave the paths to go onto the slopes
  • !Don't block the paths when taking photos. Be considerate of others when using tripods or selfie sticks in crowds
  • !Follow the Civil Aeronautics Act and local rules for drone flights, and do not fly without permission
  • !Do not smoke while walking
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Public toilets are available in and around the park. When busy, also use toilets at the station or nearby facilities
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available at Izukyu-Shimoda Station. With so many slopes and stairs, leave suitcases at the station or your accommodation before you go
Paying at food stalls
The rest area and small shops nearby may be cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) around Izukyu-Shimoda Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The park has many slopes and stairs, making it difficult to explore by wheelchair. With a stroller, it's safer to bring a baby carrier as well (in 2026, loans were offered 10:00–15:00 in fine weather)
Food

Food

Local favorites
Simmered kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) and kinmedai rice bowlsIzu red squid (swordtip squid)Tokoroten (agar noodles)Himono (dried fish)
Vegetarian & halal
As a seafood-focused area, few restaurants show vegetarian or halal labels. It's best to contact restaurants in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Inns at Shimoda Onsen fill up quickly on peak-bloom weekends. If you plan to stay overnight, book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Shimoda Hydrangea FestivalPR

PRSee more places to stay near Shimoda Hydrangea Festival on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Izu

Zoo

Izu Shaboten Zoo

Tokyo & Around ・ Ito / Izu Kogen

This zoo in Izu Kogen lets you enjoy animals alongside cacti and succulents. Ring-tailed lemurs and peacocks roam freely, so you can get unusually close to the animals.

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Events

Events & festivals in Tokyo & Around

February–March

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually early February to early March (about one month). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late February

February–December

Atami Fireworks Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually held a dozen or more times a year in spring (April–May), summer (July–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Each show runs around 20:20–20:40 (from 20:15 in July and August)

Next show: Oct 25, 2026 (Sun), followed by Nov 8, Nov 23, Dec 6, Dec 25, and Feb 21, 2027 (all 20:20–20:40)

March

Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually a Sunday in early March

2027: Mar 7 (Sun)

April–May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually mid-April to late May (April 11 – May 24 in 2026; may vary with bloom conditions)

Photo coming soonApril

Bunkyo Azalea Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually around April 1–30 (the 55th festival was held April 1–30, 2026). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late April

May

Sanja Matsuri

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-May, on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around the third Saturday of May (May 15–17 in 2026, with the ceremony to install the deities in the mikoshi on the Thursday evening before)

August

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually the last Saturday and Sunday of August (around 17:00–20:00)

November

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually early to late November (about 3–4 weeks). The leaves are usually at their best in early to mid-November

2026: Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun)

November

Tori-no-Ichi

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually on the Days of the Rooster in November (2–3 days, 12 days apart). At Otori Shrine in Asakusa, it runs from midnight to midnight (0:00–24:00) on each Rooster Day

2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)

November–February

Marunouchi Illumination

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-November to mid-February of the following year (about 3 months)

2026: Nov 12 (Thu) – Feb 14, 2027 (Sun)

December

Hagoita-ichi (Battledore Market)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Every year December 17–19 (Senso-ji explicitly states "the three days from December 17 to 19")

2026: Dec 17 (Thu) – Dec 19 (Sat)

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Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

PRKlookShimoda Floating Aquarium Admission Ticket (Shizuoka)An aquarium floating on the sea near Shimoda Park, easy to combine with a hydrangea strollView