Discover Gansenji Temple’s Hydrangea Charm

As you enter the temple, a charming little path lined with adorable hydrangeas and Three-storied Pagoda in the distance will welcome you. Surrounded by the lush greenery, the pagoda exudes a serene and noble air. Colorful hydrangeas add colors to the sight, creating a stunning scene! You’ll find yourself wanting to capture it with your camera. Actually, this temple is a popular spot among professional photographers. They say, “You can definitely take beautiful pictures here!” This incredibly picturesque place will make you sigh in admiration. You’ll find peace in a pretty flower-filled basin, too.

In Japan, hydrangeas are a beloved plant in the rainy season. They lift people’s spirits even on rainy or cloudy days. Probably, many Japanese people have felt happy as their eyes caught the vibrant colors. Why not experience that feeling and get a glimpse of Japanese culture? It can also be fun to try to find your favorite color!

After fully enjoying Gansenji Temple, why not explore the Sekibutsunomichi (Stone Buddha Road) and Joruriji Temple? This area offers various appealing spots that will make you want to stop by. There are good restaurants with a traditional Japanese atmosphere, as well as fun shops and lovely cafes. The tororo soba (grated yam noodles) at Ashibi no Mise (56 Nishio Futaba, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto) is amazing. Also, you might even come across Tsurimise that showcases the local character. (It is an unmanned stand selling local fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables and so on, displayed by suspending them.) So, why don’t you visit Gansenji Temple in the hydrangea season?

As a side note, you can take a seasonal bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. In the spring of 2025, it runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, until June 29.
More information about the seasonal bus in the spring of 2025, please check the flyer below.
https://www.narakotsu.co.jp/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kojijunrei_spring2025.pdf

(The photos were taken in the past.)