9,000 Hydrangeas in Full Bloom at Showa Memorial Park: A Rainy Season Walking Guide

Floating Hydrangeas at the Canal Fountain: June 21–29 Only

The Canal — a 200-meter straight waterway with five large and small fountains — is one of Showa Memorial Park's signature photo spots. In 2026, a "Floating Flower" display with hydrangeas floating on the water's surface is scheduled for nine days, from Saturday June 21 to Sunday June 29. The sight of blue and purple hydrangeas drifting on the water alongside the spray of the fountains draws a huge response on social media every year. To reach the Canal, entering through the "Nishi-Tachikawa Gate" is said to be the shortest route. Visiting early in the morning, when fewer visitors are around, lets you take in the fantastical reflected scenery at leisure. As the period may change depending on bloom conditions and temperatures, check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

Panoramic Blues, Purples, and Pinks on the Fureaihiroba North Slope

The best spot in Showa Memorial Park to enjoy large numbers of hydrangeas all at once is the slope area on the north side of Fureaihiroba. The sprawling colony covers the slope in overlapping layers of blue, purple, and pink, and shows even more vivid colors after the rain. Taking photos that take advantage of the slope's undulations is popular with visitors, as it lets you capture images that look like you're surrounded by a sea of flowers. The walking paths are paved, making them relatively accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. During the peak viewing period in mid-to-late June, visiting on a weekday morning helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the flowers at a relaxed pace. Benches are dotted around the slope area, and sitting down to admire the flowers in your favorite spot is a special pleasure in itself.

Rare Varieties in Hanakien: Annabelle and Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Showa Memorial Park is home not only to common lacecap hydrangeas but also a rich variety of distinctive cultivars. Two especially noteworthy varieties in the Hanakien area are "Annabelle" and "Oakleaf Hydrangea." Annabelle is a North American variety with large flower heads that can reach 30 centimeters in diameter. The flowers start out light green when they first open and gradually change to pure white as they reach full bloom. Pink Annabelle is also planted in the park, creating a charming gradient of white and pink. The Oakleaf Hydrangea, also native to North America, gets its name from its oak-shaped leaves. Its distinctive cone-shaped white flowers stand upright, giving it a unique presence quite unlike other hydrangeas. Since Oakleaf Hydrangeas come into bloom from early June, they can be enjoyed even before the main hydrangeas reach their peak.

450 Yen Entry, 2 Minutes from Nishi-Tachikawa Station: Access Tips

Admission to the National Showa Memorial Park is 450 yen for adults (high school students and older), 210 yen for seniors (65 and older), and free for junior high school students and younger. Payment is accepted in cash as well as via IC transit cards such as Suica and Pasmo. The most convenient access is from JR Ome Line "Nishi-Tachikawa Station," just a 2-minute walk to the gate. The park is also accessible from JR Chuo Line / Nanbu Line "Tachikawa Station" in about 15 minutes. During peak season, parking lots nearby tend to fill up on weekends, so coming by train is recommended. For an efficient tour of the sprawling grounds, renting a bicycle near the park entrance is a handy option.

Head to Showa Memorial Park This Rainy Season Weekend

Hydrangeas are at their most beautiful when adorned with raindrops. They reveal a quietly understated beauty on rainy days that is quite different from the vibrant look they have in sunshine. Strolling leisurely with an umbrella is one of the unique pleasures of the rainy season. The approximately 9,000 hydrangeas at the National Showa Memorial Park are expected to remain at their best through late June 2026. Since the Floating Flower display at the Canal fountain also begins on June 21, visiting that weekend concentrates the highlights and makes for a very fulfilling walk. For just 450 yen, you can experience the spectacular sight of some of the most hydrangeas in the Tama region.