VIDEO: Blow away rainy season blues by visiting Tokyo Hydrangea power spot Hakusan Jinja

Colorful hydrangea flowers at Hakusan Jinja

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Rainy season, aka “tsuyu” in Japanese, is here! Not only is it raining a lot, but the heat and humidity might also make you sweat buckets. For many, this is probably the worst season in Japan, but I like it because of all the beautiful flowers, such as hydrangeas and irises, that bloom during this time.

A 40-minute train ride and walk from Hardy Barracks, Hakusan Jinja is a Shinto shrine known as a popular hydrangea viewing spot.

Visiting the shrine that has a 1078-year-old history is believed to bring you good fortune, especially in marriage, matchmaking, family harmony and dental health, so it is considered as a strong “power spot.”

When I recently visited the shrine, colorful blossoms of 3,000 hydrangea trees were in full bloom, creating breathtaking views with the backdrop of unique-shaped classical shrine buildings.

To enjoy the rainy season’s beauty, the shrine annually hosts Ajisai Matsuri (hydrangea festival) in June. This year’s festival runs till June 14, so head there for live music and performances, food and goods vendors and picturesque views.

Blossoms of colorful hydrangeas can be enjoyed even after the festival until end of June.

Don’t let this season rain on your fun, visit this famous Tokyo power spot for some good luck and great views!