Do you know the 2025 version of the world of paradise blue earth? Unshoji Temple, a hydrangea temple in Oga, Akita

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
The world of blue expands
Unshoji Temple in Kitaura, Oga City, Akita Prefecture, is famous as a temple where hydrangeas spread all around. Mr. Soun Furunaka, deputy chief priest of Unshoji Temple, divided one hydrangea plant into more than 1,500 plants over a period of more than 15 years. When the divided hydrangea plants are in full bloom, the entire temple grounds are dyed blue. There are many different colors of hydrangeas, but they are all blue and bloom like a carpet.

Two highlights of Unshoji Temple!

Gazebo from which you can see the sea of Oga

Hydrangeas under cloudy skies
When the weather is fine, the sea of Oga spreads out before your eyes.
Unfortunately, the day we visited was cloudy, but on a fine day, you can see the sea of Oga from the viewing platform on the temple grounds, and you will be drawn into a 360-degree world of blue everywhere you look. You can see the different colors of blue of the "hydrangea," the "sea," and the "sky."

More magical world when the lights are turned on

The blue becomes more intense
This year, for the first time in a year, a special light-up viewing will be held. The illuminated hydrangeas are darker blue, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Red Seal and Good Luck Charm of Unshoji Temple

Visitors can obtain a red seal at Unshoji Temple. Three red seals with different hydrangea motifs are available depending on the number of times you visit! Why not visit several times to collect them?
Three red seals
We also recommend the hydrangea-patterned good luck charms. There are two types of amulets. The fabric "hydrangea amulet" is made by drawing a group of hydrangeas on a large piece of cloth and cutting it into pieces, so each amulet has a different pattern. The "omamori" is a thinner design, and is made entirely by hand, from the selection of the petals to the wrapping of the body. Hydrangeas from Unshoji Temple are preserved flowers and can be placed inside wallets and phone covers. This is also a product where each hydrangea is a different size. Each amulet contains a petal of a hydrangea, which is said to be beneficial for driving away evil spirits, preventing women from getting sick, bringing families together, and bringing good luck.
Hydrangea charm made of cloth
All handmade omamori

Why don't you look for them in the precincts of the temple?

Smiling Jizo

A Jizo statue called the Smiling Jizo is placed in the precincts of the temple. Each Jizo has a different face, such as smiling with its mouth open or twin Jizo. When you find one, you will feel very happy, so please look for it!
Smiling Jizo (jizo) here and there on the temple grounds

Heart stone

There are seven heart-shaped stones in the temple grounds. There are seven heart stones in the precincts of the temple, and some of them are hidden in the stone tatami mats at the foot of the temple, so please try to find them! Please watch your step when taking pictures so as not to disturb other visitors.
Tucked away in the stone pavement
You can also find them here!

Hydrangea viewing in 2025

June 14, 2025 (Sat.) - July 21, 2025 (Mon., national holiday)
[Daytime] 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
[Nighttime (special light-up viewing)] 18:45 - 21:30 (last admission 21:00)
Prices vary by day, please check OgaNavi website for details.
Others】
*Free admission for junior high school students and younger
*No group discounts available
*Normal admission fee is 300 yen outside of the hydrangea viewing period.
Latest blooming status here
"Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple" by Oga-Navi

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