Wakayama's Premier Hydrangea Mandala Garden Opens with 10,000 Blooms, Featuring Photogenic Spots like Sky Umbrellas and Limited Goshuin

Takiozan Sukuma Kannon (Location: 313 Ikuma, Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture) has opened its "Hydrangea Mandala Garden" within the temple grounds starting Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Approximately 120 varieties and 10,000 hydrangeas, boasting one of the largest scales in Wakayama Prefecture, will adorn the temple grounds until early July. During the period, numerous photo-worthy attractions will be available, including the popular "Sky Umbrella," "Zodiac Flower Art," and the "Hydrangea Mandala Pond" (open weekends only). Additionally, limited-edition hydrangeas amulets and charms will be offered.

This year, the blooming is slightly earlier than usual, with the garden at 20-30% bloom at the opening. It is expected that visitors can enjoy the hydrangeas for an extended period. Visitors can slowly immerse themselves in the world of the "Mandala" expressed through hydrangeas as they walk along the paths that utilize the natural terrain.

About the "Hydrangea Mandala Garden"

The "Hydrangea Mandala Garden" at Sukuma Kannon is a sacred site created to evoke the image of a "Mandala" woven by colorful hydrangeas, utilizing the natural slopes and valleys of the mountain. The garden is planted with a wide variety of species, including Western hydrangeas and lacecap hydrangeas, blooming in diverse gradients of blue, purple, and pink, offering different expressions depending on the time of visit and time of day.

【This Year's Main Highlights】 1. Overlapping Stamp Rally A stamp rally will be held where participants complete a single design by overlapping multiple stamps as they tour the garden. This is enjoyable for both children and adults and is perfect as a souvenir of your stroll.

2. "Sky Umbrella" with Hydrangea Umbrellas Floating in the Sky The "Sky Umbrella," featuring colorful hydrangea-patterned umbrellas arranged overhead, is a popular spot that makes every step photogenic. It creates a fantastical atmosphere depending on how the light shines and the time of day.

3. Hydrangea Flower Art Shaped Like the Zodiac Sign "Horse" Flower art designed in the motif of the zodiac sign "Horse" will be displayed. The zodiac sign formed with hydrangea flowers can also be enjoyed as a good luck charm unique to the temple grounds.

4. Hydrangea Corridor The approach and corridor, lined with hydrangeas on both sides, are truly tunnels of flowers. When in full bloom, you can experience a three-dimensional floral landscape where hydrangeas fill your entire field of vision.

5. Public Unveiling of the Original Variety "Sukuma" Sukuma Kannon's original hydrangea variety, "Sukuma," will be publicly unveiled. This special hydrangea, unique to our temple, has been well-received by many visitors.

6. Hydrangea Mandala Pond (Limited Opening on Weekends in June) In June, the "Hydrangea Mandala Pond," with hydrangea flowers floating on the water's surface, will be open to the public on weekends. The flowers reflected on the water's surface create a serene and mystical photo spot.

7. Hydrangea "Hana Chozu" (Flower Water Basin) The "Hana Chozu," with hydrangea flowers floating in the purification basin, makes the act of cleansing your hands before worship more colorful and impressive. This vibrantly decorated water basin has become a popular spot on social media in recent years.

8. Hydrangea Glass Balls Decorations featuring hydrangea flowers inside glass balls will be placed throughout the temple grounds. These arrangements, combining transparency and seasonality, will color the early summer grounds.

9. Sukuma Wind Chimes "Sukuma Wind Chimes," which will ring with refreshing sounds along with the hydrangeas, are also planned to be installed. Enjoy a cool early summer moment woven by the sounds of flowers and wind chimes.

*Hydrangea glass balls and Hana Chozu will be installed sequentially as the hydrangea bloom becomes more active. Some may not be available depending on the season.

Limited-Edition Offerings During the Garden Opening Period

To coincide with the opening of the Hydrangea Mandala Garden, we have prepared limited-edition offerings themed around hydrangeas. All are in limited quantities, so early visits are recommended.

＜Limited Goshuin (Temple Stamps) and Goshuin Books＞ - Hydrangea Foil-Pressed Goshuin (500 limited) - Hydrangea Kirie (Paper Cut) Goshuin (500 limited) - Hydrangea Embroidered Goshuin (500 limited) - Hydrangea Embroidered Goshuin Book (Available in 3 colors, 100 limited)

＜Other Offerings＞ - Hydrangea Prayer Talisman (500 limited) - Good Luck Charm (Available in 2 colors) - Hydrangea Embroidered Charm - Six Jizo and Hydrangea Gauze Hand Towel In addition, many other seasonal hydrangea-themed offerings will be available.

*A hydrangea stamp can be added to regular Goshuin for an additional fee. *Please note that offerings are limited in quantity and may be unavailable once sold out.

Event Outline

Name: Sukuma Kannon Hydrangea Mandala Garden Period: Saturday, May 30 - Early July (scheduled) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last admission) Venue: Takiozan Sukuma Kannon Temple Grounds "Hydrangea Mandala Garden" Address: 313 Ikuma, Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, 649-2103 Access: Please refer to the official website for details. Official Website: https://www.sukuma.jp

*Content and dates may change due to blooming status, weather, etc. Latest information will be announced on the official website.

About Sukuma Kannon

Takiozan Sukuma Kannon is a temple widely revered as a "Kannon for warding off evil" since ancient times. Its grounds, rich in nature, feature a main hall and sacred sites dotted throughout, welcoming visitors with seasonal flowers and trees year-round. Especially during the early summer hydrangea season, many people visit the "Hydrangea Mandala Garden" to spend time in a harmonious blend of flowers and prayer.

【Regular Information】 - Prayer Times (until December 28) 10:00 AM / 11:30 AM / 1:00 PM / 2:30 PM / 4:00 PM (5 sessions daily)

- Memorial Services (By reservation only) 10:00 AM~ / 3:00 PM~ (2 sessions daily)

- Opening and Closing Hours Opens: 7:00 AM Closes: 5:00 PM (Varies by season)

Contact Information for Inquiries

Takiozan Sukuma Kannon 313 Ikuma, Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, 649-2103 TEL: 0739-47-1140 Keywords: