Hydrangeas of Unshoji Temple

Unshō-ji Temple is a Sōtō Zen temple located in Kitaura, Oga City, Akita Prefecture, and is a historic temple founded in 1624. The main hall was built during the Edo period, and its principal image is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha carved by a Buddhist sculptor from Osaka. With its long history, the temple has recently attracted nationwide attention as the “hydrangea temple.”

These much-talked-about hydrangeas were carefully cultivated from a single plant by the temple’s deputy chief priest, Mr. Shūun Konaka, over more than 15 years, or perhaps more than 20 years. What began as just one hydrangea plant has steadily increased through division, cuttings, and meticulous care, and it is now said to number more than 1,500 plants, or even over 2,000.

Deputy Chief Priest Konaka has a strong commitment to a “deep blue only” aesthetic and has also put great ingenuity into the cultivation methods. As a result, the hydrangeas at Unshō-ji bloom exceptionally well on each plant, and at peak season the temple grounds are dyed like a blue carpet. The sight of this profound and vivid world of blue is truly dreamlike and deeply moving.

Beyond the hydrangeas, visitors can also look out over the harbor town of Kitaura and the blue expanse of the sea around the Oga Peninsula. This landscape, woven together by hydrangeas, the sea, and a historic temple, is highly praised as a “spectacular view found nowhere else,” and in 2017 it was selected as the No. 1 domestic scenic spot on the official website of “Must-See Destinations in the World Before You Die!”

The best time to see the hydrangeas is typically from mid-June to early July. In particular, at dusk in late June, the soft light of the setting sun pours over the hydrangeas and the sea, creating a breathtaking contrast. According to Deputy Chief Priest Konaka, the bright daytime views are wonderful, but the hydrangeas illuminated by the evening glow are also exceptionally beautiful.

After viewing the flowers, it is also recommended to stop by the nearby Kijū Sushi Shokudō to savor Oga’s fresh seafood. With history, nature, beauty, and taste all enjoyed through the five senses, Unshō-ji’s hydrangeas are truly a highlight of any trip to Oga and well worth a visit.

Today, Unshō-ji is one of the representative tourist attractions of Oga City, featured across various media such as television, magazines, and social media. During hydrangea season, many people visit from both within and outside the prefecture. Even so, one of the special charms of this place is the chance to spend time quietly and leisurely admiring the flowers in the calm, serene atmosphere unique to a temple.