In Japan, there is a rainy season in June before summer begins. And it is during this season of high humidity and sticky skin that brightly colored ajisai (hydrangeas) bloom. Japanese are quite fond of ajisai, which they consider a symbol of the coming summer and admire for their ability to bloom in the rain.

Ajisai are abundant in Kamakura, Enoshima, Odawara, Hakone and other parts of Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo. Hakone is particularly well known for its ajisai, which start blooming in mid-June in the mountainous areas and along the Hakone Tozan railway. In fact, the trains surrounded by their colors are known as “Ajisai trains”. Many tourists visit Hakone every year just to witness this colorful sight.

Guests at our Hakone Kowaki-en resort can enjoy various types of ajisai in the gardens of Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en. Even walking in the rain becomes a joy when surrounded by such beautiful flowers.

■Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en
For details, visit: http://www.hakoneho-kowakien.com/en/

■Hakone Kowaki-en Ten-yu
For details, visit: http://www.hakone-tenyu.com/

■Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun
For details, visit: https://www.yunessun.com/