Senko-ji (the temple of 1000 lights) sits just outside of central Kurume. It would escape the notice of even the most die-hard temple hopper if it weren't for the acres of hydrangeas that burst into bloom here every June. Flowers ranging from deep purple to a delicate pink and even pure white cover the grounds. For a small 200 yen fee, visitors can stroll through the hydrangeas and even hike to the top of the hill to see the temple's impressive bamboo forest.
Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok
Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.