Travel App 'NEWT' Releases Top 30 Ranking of Best 'Hydrangea Spots' Among 1,741 Municipalities Across Japan
Key facts
- Travel App 'NEWT' Releases Top 30 Ranking of Best 'Hydrangea Spots' Among 1,741 Municipalities Across Japan
- Travel app 'NEWT,' operated by Reiwa Travel, has announced its 'Top 30 Hydrangea Spots in Japan' ranking, analyzing 1,741 municipalities. Evaluated on five criteria, Shimoda City in Shizuoka ranked first.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 10, 2026
Direct answer
Travel app 'NEWT,' operated by Reiwa Travel, has announced its 'Top 30 Hydrangea Spots in Japan' ranking, analyzing 1,741 municipalities. Evaluated on five criteria, Shimoda City in Shizuoka ranked first.
- Citation
- Travel App 'NEWT' Releases Top 30 Ranking of Best 'Hydrangea Spots' Among 1,741 Municipalities Across Japan (June 10, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 10, 2026
Travel app 'NEWT,' operated by Reiwa Travel, has announced its 'Top 30 Hydrangea Spots in Japan' ranking, analyzing 1,741 municipalities. Evaluated on five criteria, Shimoda City in Shizuoka ranked first.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 02:44
- 🔍 Collected: June 9, 2026 at 17:51
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 11, 2026 at 08:50 (38h 58m after Collected)
There is a growing demand for 'off-peak' travel—avoiding peak seasons to find comfort away from the crowds. This has put a new spotlight on the charm of the 'rainy season,' a time when many usually stay indoors. Hydrangeas gleaming with raindrops and the serene, sound-filled space of a rainy day offer a new key to attractive off-season travel.
The ranking evaluation criteria (20 points each, 100 points total):
1. Strength of hydrangea experience
2. Unique local charm
3. Suitability for rainy season travel
4. Ease of movement/Low congestion
5. Accessibility and cost-performance
[Top Rankings]
1st: Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture (98 points)
Features about 150,000 hydrangea plants (3 million blossoms), seaside views, hot springs, and local 'Kinmedai' snapper cuisine.
2nd: Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture (96 points)
A cultural city where temple architecture harmonizes with hydrangeas. Excellent suitability for rainy days with abundant indoor facilities.
3rd: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture (94 points)
Home to Mimuroto-ji Temple; offers elegant stays fused with tea culture, such as matcha sweets.
4th: Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture (92 points)
Hondo-ji Temple is famous for its 50,000 hydrangeas. Highly rated for its accessibility from the city center.
5th: Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture (90 points)
Features a scenic location overlooking Mikawa Bay and nighttime illuminations.
6th: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (89 points)
Features the vast 'Hakusan-zakura Hydrangea Garden' at Yoshimine-dera Temple, offering breathtaking views utilizing terrain elevation.
7th: Oga City, Akita Prefecture (88 points)
Famous for the 'world of blue' at Unsho-ji Temple, which has gained huge popularity on social media.
FAQ
Which municipality was ranked first in the 'Hydrangea Famous Spot' ranking that shines during the rainy season?
Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture was ranked first. The city was highly evaluated for the largest number of hydrangea plants in Japan at Shimoda Park, the terrain offering a panoramic view of Shimoda Port, and the combined stay value of hot springs and gourmet offerings such as Kinmedai.
What criteria were used to evaluate this ranking?
The ranking was analyzed based on five criteria: the strength of hydrangea experiences, unique charm of the municipality, suitability for the rainy season, circulation and low congestion, and accessibility and cost-effectiveness (each 20 points, total 100 points).
Why is travel during the rainy season recommended?
Travel during the rainy season is being re-evaluated as a special season to enjoy emotional landscapes, such as hydrangeas with raindrops and the tranquil spaces enveloped by the sound of rain, avoiding crowded peak times.
What are the characteristics of municipalities that ranked high in the ranking?
Highly rated municipalities share common features such as the harmony of historic temple architecture with hydrangeas, good accessibility from the city center, and well-developed alternative experiences (indoor facilities and gourmet options) that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
Which company conducted this survey?
The survey was conducted by Reiwa Travel Co., Ltd., which operates the travel app 'NEWT' through the NEWT Research Department.