June in Japan is known for its rainy season, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors! With fewer crowds, lush scenery, and beautiful seasonal blooms, it’s a great time to explore the country. Here are nine destinations across nine different prefectures, each offering something special that shines in early summer.
Kamakura, Kanagawa
June is synonymous with hydrangeas in Kamakura, making it one of the most picturesque times to visit this historic seaside city. During the rainy season, lush temple gardens come alive with these colorful blooms, turning otherwise misty days into something magical. Two of the best places to experience the best of the flowers are Meigetsuin (pictured above) and Hasedera Temple.
Matsue, Shimane
Matsue's Yuushien Garden is perhaps best known for its peony displays in May, drawing crowds from across Japan to see thousands of the blooms in full flourish. In saying that, don’t overlook a visit in June, as this scenic landscaped garden continues to impress with irises taking center stage.
Hakodate, Hokkaido
The rainy season doesn’t reach Hakodate, so June is cool and relatively dry. It’s a perfect time to walk through the star-shaped Goryokaku Park, or ride the ropeway for night views from Mount Hakodate.
Kurume, Fukuoka
Senko-ji Temple is located just outside central Kurume, and is home to some beautiful hydrangeas and a tranquil atmosphere. Combine your visit with some of the regional cuisine—there are plenty of options to pick from in this part of Japan!
Takayama, Gifu
June kicks off hiking season in the Japan Alps, and Takayama is a great place to base yourself. Rain lends a cinematic mood to this preserved town, with misty hills surrounding its markets, sake breweries, and wooden merchant houses.
Shimoda, Shizuoka
Shimoda Park is one of the country's top destinations for hydrangea lovers, and there is no shortage of the blooms to go around. Somewhere around three million of the flowers decorate the park grounds in pinks, purples, and blues, and the views of the surrounding area are hard to beat.
Uji, Kyoto
Rainy season fits Uji’s tea culture perfectly. Visit the historic Byodo-in Temple, then shelter in a tea shop with a bowl of matcha and a view of the riverbanks thick with seasonal flowers.
Nikko, Tochigi
In June, the forest paths and shrines of Nikko become even more serene. The mist and moisture bring out the deep greens of the moss and trees, creating a timeless atmosphere.
Ozu, Ehime
Soak up some stunning scenery in Ozu, a riverside castle town that comes alive with early summer green. Pay a visit to Garyu Sanso, a beautiful villa and garden on the banks of the Hiji River, then stroll across the historic Nagahama Bridge, Japan’s oldest active drawbridge, made even more photogenic by the seasonal mist.
