Most of Japan has a rainy season from June to July, bringing a special character to the landscape that poems and songs have celebrated since ancient times. Fireflies appear during this season and many flowers unique to Japan are best enjoyed at this time, including over 3,000 varieties of hydrangea that become vibrantly colorful when wet.

One of the most popular tourist destinations during the rainy season is Hakone hot springs. The area can be reached by a mountain train that is nicknamed the "Hydrangea Train" during this season because it provides a gorgeous view of over 10,000 blooming hydrangea, which are beautifully illuminated at night. From mid-June to mid-July, hydrangea bloom in various areas throughout Hakone to make overnight stays even more memorable.

■ Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
For details, visit: http://www.hakone-tenyu.com/
 
■ Hakone Kowakien Miyama Furin
For details, visit: http://www.miyama-furin.com/en/
 
■ Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
For details, visit: https://www.yunessun.com/en/