I thought the days with beautiful blue skies would continue, but suddenly it started to rain.
If possible, I want to enjoy the rainy season as well.
I suddenly thought, "Let's go see the hydrangeas," and off I went.
I visited a small hydrangea garden in Kurashiki City.
I greedily visited two hydrangea gardens.
I will introduce a spot loved by the locals and the cool blooming hydrangeas.
Juushin-in, the 51st Sacred Site of Kojima
The first place I visited was Juushin-in, the 51st Sacred Site of Kojima.
In May, the iris flowers and in June, the hydrangeas are famous for blooming beautifully at this temple.
If the timing is right, you might be lucky enough to see both flowers.
I visited during the hydrangea season in late June.
I definitely want to aim for the right timing and visit next year.
Where is Juushin-in located?
Juushin-in is a temple located in Kimi, Kurashiki City, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kimi Station and about a 5-minute drive from the Mizushima Interchange on the Seto Chuo Expressway.
I was worried whether I could get there safely since I am directionally challenged, but I set the car's navigation and set off.
As I followed the navigation, I saw the sign for "Juushin-in."
The landmark is "Yamada Shoten Harimaya."
Just as I felt relieved saying, "I will arrive soon," I was met with a narrow road ahead.
I prayed, "Please let no oncoming cars come," and gripped the steering wheel tightly.
As I continued down the narrow road, the temple came into view.
Perhaps it was the effect of my prayers. I arrived safely without encountering any oncoming cars.
There is space for 20 cars in the parking lot.
Feeling grateful for arriving safely, I head towards the hydrangea garden.
I entered the temple, but actually, the hydrangea garden is not inside the temple but further along past the parking lot.
Although it was the end of the blooming season, there were still many beautiful hydrangeas in bloom.
Strongly blooming hydrangeas.
Diligently blooming hydrangeas.
They do not succumb to heavy rain or scorching sunlight.
Why are they so resilient and beautiful?
As I closely observe each hydrangea, it makes me forget my busy daily life.
Suddenly, I noticed something white at the base of the hydrangea plant.
What was stuck in the ground was a plate.
Looking around, I saw more of them here and there.
Upon closer inspection, I found they had writing on them. "Otomegokoro." "City Line."
They are labeled with the variety for the visitors' convenience.
Some were fading, but the image of the priest carefully nurturing them came to mind, and it touched my heart.
As I was looking at the hydrangeas, I heard a buzzing sound.
When I turned around, I saw bumblebees and butterflies visiting the hydrangeas.
Suddenly, there was a rustling sound that startled me. Looking towards the sound, I saw a cricket.
It seems that humans are not the only ones attracted to the hydrangeas.
At the foot of the mountain, there is a hydrangea garden, so it's a nice bonus to encounter various creatures.
I think children who love insects will be delighted if you take them there.
Little-known "Hydrangea Wall" in Kojima
After being healed by the delicately blooming hydrangeas, I headed to a spot known as the "Hydrangea Wall" in Kojima.
This place has recently become a topic of conversation on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
The hydrangea garden spreads along the municipal road in Hieda-cho, Kojima, Kurashiki City.
It seems to be near the Hieda Minami intersection.
When I checked the navigation, it was 7.3 km from Jushin-in, taking about 15 minutes by car.
I set off with my expectations growing for the unseen hydrangea wall, wondering, "What kind of hydrangea garden will it be?"
There were no narrow roads, so I was able to drive calmly.
Even beginners in driving can go there.
I could see the Hieda Minami intersection coming up.
As I turned the steering wheel at the intersection as directed by the navigation, a surprised voice escaped, "Wow!"
The hydrangea wall spreads right there.
There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can park your car on the nearby shoulder, embankment, or sidewalk.
It is necessary to be considerate not to disturb the nearby residents or passersby.
The area is a slope that is 50 meters wide and up to 4 meters high.
White, blue, pink, and red hydrangeas are blooming in various colors.
It truly is a hydrangea wall.
Although it is not a spacious area, you are overwhelmed by the hydrangeas blooming abundantly.
Upon closer inspection, you can see where the flowers have been cut, and new buds are sprouting here and there.
You can feel that they are being well-maintained.
Even as the best viewing period for hydrangeas comes to an end, there seem to be varieties that bloom until October.
Families, couples, and friends continue to visit one after another.
I can hear voices saying, "Wow, it's beautiful" and "It really looks like a hydrangea wall."
This hydrangea garden is loved not only by locals but by many people.
In Conclusion
What I encountered on my outing was the strong yet delicate blooming hydrangeas.
Familiar hydrangeas that say, "This is what hydrangeas are!" and surprising ones that make you wonder, "Huh? Is this also a hydrangea?"
Because it is the damp season of the rainy season, why not go outside and experience the season?
The refreshing blooming hydrangeas will surely brighten your gloomy mood.
