Chofu Botanical Garden Ajisai Walk

There is one flower that truly shines in the rainy season: ajisai (hydrangea). Jindai Botanical Garden in Chofu City reaches peak bloom from mid to late June, and paired with the ancient Jindaiji Temple next door, it makes a perfect rainy-season strolling destination.

The Ajisai Garden at Jindai Botanical Garden

Jindai Botanical Garden is one of Tokyo's largest public gardens, located in Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu City. The park is home to approximately 100,000 plants across 4,800 species, and during the June ajisai season, hundreds of hydrangea plants burst into bloom. The Japanese garden area, where the blooms reflect in a pond, is a particular favorite of photographers. Opening hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.); general admission is 500 yen.

Combine the Garden with Jindaiji Temple

Right next to the botanical garden is Jindaiji Temple, one of the most historically significant temples in the Kanto region, founded in 733 AD. The approach to the temple is lined with long-established soba restaurants serving the area's famous Jindaiji soba, a local specialty enjoyed since the Edo period. The west gate of the botanical garden is about a five-minute walk from the temple precinct, making it easy to combine an ajisai visit with a soba lunch.

Rainy Days Are the Best Days

Ajisai blooms look even more vibrant when wet, as rain intensifies the colors. On overcast or lightly rainy days, soft light brings out the full richness of the blooms. To avoid crowds, try a weekday morning—arriving right at 9:30 a.m. tends to be quieter. This spot is well worth visiting even with an umbrella on a rainy weekend day.

Also Explore the GeGeGe Street in Chofu

The area around Chofu Station is known as the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro. Character monuments and themed shops are scattered near the station, and you can stop by on your way to the temple and garden. Manga and anime fans will find plenty to enjoy on the walk.

Getting to Jindai Botanical Garden

Take a bus from the north exit of Chofu Station (Keio Line or Odakyu Line) bound for Musashisakai and get off at "Jindai Shokubutsu Koen-mae" or "Jindaiji" (about 15 minutes). Admission: adults 500 yen, 65 and over 250 yen, junior high school students and under free.