When is the best time to see the hydrangeas?

Usually mid to late June, but varies with blooming.

Do I need to reserve parking?

No reservation needed, but spaces are limited.

How long does the Hydrangea Festival ceremony last?

The Shinto ritual lasts about one hour.

Hydrangea Festival Held at World Heritage Site Kumano Nachi Taisha: Hydrangea Garden with Approximately 3,000 Plants Open to the Public

Published Jun 8, 2026 11:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 13, 2026 11:57 PM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Kumano Nachi Taisha is opening its hydrangea garden to the public until June 30. Approximately 3,000 hydrangea plants are in bloom, and a hydrangea festival will be held on June 14.

Kumano Nachi Taisha (located at Nachiyama, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture) is opening its 'Hydrangea Garden' on the shrine grounds to the public until Tuesday, June 30. Located as part of the World Heritage site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range', visitors can experience the unique scenery of the rainy season.

Coinciding with 'Environment Day' on June 5 and 'Umbrella Day' on June 11, a time when interest in Japan's culture of coexisting with rain and the natural environment grows, the shrine offers an opportunity to express gratitude for nature's blessings and pray for a healthy and peaceful life through hydrangeas.

Event Overview

Name Hydrangea Garden General Opening

Period Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - Tuesday, June 30, 2026 *May vary depending on blooming conditions.

Venue Kumano Nachi Taisha (1 Nachiyama, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture)

Highlights On the grounds, about 3,000 hydrangea plants, including lacecap hydrangeas and mountain hydrangeas, are in full bloom. Surrounded by the World Heritage Kumano forest and the natural environment of Mount Nachi, visitors can leisurely enjoy the flowers shining in the rain.

On Sunday, June 14, the 'Hydrangea Festival (Shinto ritual)' will be held, where prayers for good health and gratitude for nature's blessings are offered to the gods through colorful hydrangeas. During the ceremony, a shrine maiden will perform the kagura dance 'Toyosaka no Mai', creating a solemn atmosphere unique to the rainy season.

Admission and Participation

Hydrangea Garden Free admission

Access and Parking ・Kumano Nachi Taisha parking lot: 30 spaces (shrine disaster prevention road toll: 800 yen required) ・Bus from JR Kisei Main Line 'Nachi' Station or 'Kii-Katsuura' Station

Requests for Visitors ・Please wear comfortable shoes on the grounds. There may be rainy or slippery areas. ・To preserve the natural environment of the hydrangea garden and other areas, please do not enter off the walking paths or pick plants. ・Please take your trash home with you.

Contact Information Kumano Nachi Taisha 〒649-5301 1 Nachiyama, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture TEL: 0735-55-0321 FAX: 0735-55-0643

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event

Hydrangea Festival Held at World Heritage Site Kumano Nachi Taisha: Hydrangea Garden with Approximately 3,000 Plants Open to the Public

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