Katahara Onsen "Ajisai no Sato," where 50,000 hydrangeas bloom in profusion at "Hydrangea Festival" 

Speaking of fun during the rainy season, hydrangea.

This time, we went to Ajisai no Sato, a famous hydrangea spot in Katahara Onsen in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture. During the month of June every year, the Hydrangea Festival is held with 50,000 hydrangeas in full bloom. A very popular spot visited by about 100,000 people. It is lit up at night, and you can enjoy a different atmosphere from the daytime.

From the highlights of "Ajisai no Sato" to recommended lunches in the surrounding area, we will report with plenty of photos!

What is Katahara Onsen "Ajisai no Sato"?

Located in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture, "Katahara Onsen" is a quiet hot spring surrounded by green forests at the foot of Mt. Sangane. It is the oldest of the hot spring villages in Gamagori. Ajisai-no-Sato overlooks the hot springs.

About 50,000 hydrangeas of about 1,200 types are in full bloom.

Access to Katahara Onsen "Ajisai no Sato"

Katahara Onsen "Ajisai no Sato" is about 15 minutes by taxi from Gamagori Station on the JR and Meitetsu lines. A special direct bus runs from Gamagori Station during the Hydrangea Festival. Parking fee is 500 yen.

This time we visited by car in mid-June, but it was quite crowded even on weekdays. On weekends, it is recommended to use public transportation and allow plenty of time to visit.

50,000 hydrangeas bloom profusely
"Hydrangea Festival"

Hodagaike Pond

There are two entrance gates, the front gate and the west gate. It is a one-way street that surrounds Hodagaike Pond.

This time, we start from the "West Gate" near the parking lot!

A hydrangea greeted us right away.

After crossing the red Hoda Bridge, you can see hydrangeas on both sides. The sun is blocked and it is a very comfortable space.

Various types of hydrangeas are in full bloom. I also found this heart-shaped hydrangea!

If you go up the stairs and go a little further, you will see hydrangea on the slope! It's a masterpiece.

By the way, the color of hydrangeas is determined by the pH of the soil. Many cultivars turn blue when acidic and red when alkaline, and the color changes depending on the pH value.

Perfect for photography! "Ajisai Garden"

On the hillside, there is a "hydrangea garden" where hydrangeas are beautifully planted in flowerbeds. It's a place where new varieties are planted, so you can meet different hydrangea every year.

It's spacious and has plenty of natural light, so it's perfect for taking pictures!

If you climb a little further, you can see Mikawa Bay. We could also see "Takeshima", which can be said to be the symbol of Gamagori.

As you can see in the photo, there are routes and stairs that are not paved, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Be especially careful on rainy days.

Take a break at the shop

There were several stores in the venue. we took a break at a store near the Hydrangea Garden. In addition to drinks and ice cream, there were many pots of hydrangeas for sale.

This time, we had the Mikkabi Mikan Warabimochi. It cooled down our burning bodies.

No. 1 highlight point! "Ajisai no Sto"

The most popular spot is "Ajisai no Sato" (Hydrangea Village). The entire slope is lined with red, blue, purple, and white hydrangeas.

As far as the eye can see, hydrangea, hydrangea, and hydrangea! ! ! We were at a loss for words because of the spectacular scenery.

We visited during the day, but the "Ajisai no Sato" lit up at night is also very romantic!

A large collection of rare Japanese hydrangeas "Japanese Hydrangea Exhibition"

During the Hydrangea Festival, the "Japanese Hydrangea Exhibition" is also held on the promenade along Hodagaike Pond. Dozens of rare hydrangea potted plants in Japan are on display.

This hydrangea is "Dance Party". What kind of name is this one? It is recommended to view the flowers while checking their names against each other!

"Hawaiian Jupiter"

"Gokigenyo" (how do you do)

"Cinderella"

You can enjoy lighting up at night!

During the "Hydrangea Festival," the venue is lit up until 9:00 pm. Visitors will be enchanted by the beauty of the hydrangeas, which are different from those seen during the daytime.

If you're lucky, you might even come across a firefly at the firefly habitat known as the "Hotaru no Yado" (Firefly Inn)!

Even during the humid and uncomfortable rainy season, seeing the colorful hydrangeas that bloom beautifully in the rain will heal your heart and give you a refreshing feeling.

Please be healed at "Ajisai no Sato"!

[Katahara Onsen "Ajisai no Sato”]
Address: 28-1 Ichinosawa, Kanehira-cho, Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture
Phone number: 0533-57-0660 (Katahara Tourism Association)
Business hours: 8:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Closed: No holidays
Parking lot: Parking fee 500 yen (once)

http://www.katahara-spa.jp/

Available only from March to June!
Takeshima Udon" by Yawoyoshi, handmade udon

When you visit Ajisai no Sato, we recommend the Teuchi Udon Yawoyoshi for lunch. About 15 minutes by car from Ajisai no Sato. Here you can taste "Takeshima Udon" only from March to June.

Add a mini tempura bowl to Takeshima udon!

Takeshima Udon

“Takeshima Udon” is the origin of the local gourmet “Gamagori Udon”. It was born in 1986, the year the Takeshima Bridge was rebuilt. At Yawoyoshi, clams are only served from March to June, when clams are in season.

Plenty of clams from Aichi Prefecture! The umami of clams is strong even in the fragrant soup. It goes down well and goes well with chewy noodles.

During the hydrangea season, be sure to try “Takeshima Udon” as well.

[Handmade Udon Yawoyoshi]
Address: 7-12 Takeshima-cho, Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture
Phone number: 0533-68-3804

http://www.sk.aitai.ne.jp/~meiji36/index.html

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