Hydrangea Heaven: A Summer Pilgrimage to Oga's Blue Temple

#summervacay **Why Unshoji is Japan’s Best-Kept Secret?** From late June to early August, this 17th-century Zen temple becomes a **surreal blue paradise** with 1,500 hydrangeas (90% *Ajisai* varieties) blooming in unison. The rare **"Unshoji Blue"** petals glow eerily at dusk—locals say they’re the tears of sea spirits. --- ### **🌿 Your Perfect Summer Visit Plan** #### **Magical Timing** - **5:30 AM - Dawn Serenity:** Enter with monks for **chanting under flower arches** (summer-only access) - **4:00 PM - Golden Hour:** When sunlight filters through petals onto stone Jizo statues - **7:00 PM - Night Illumination** (July only): Thousands of LED lights make blooms appear to **float in midair** #### **Hidden Experiences** - **"Wishing Petals" Ritual:** Write prayers on blue paper, tie to designated bushes - **Monk’s Tea Ceremony:** Sip **butterfly pea flower tea** that changes color like the blooms (¥1,000) --- ### **💰 Budget Tips** - **Entry:** ¥500 (includes a pressed flower bookmark) - **Transport:** ¥3,000 taxi from Oga Station (or rent an **e-bike** for ¥2,000/day) - **Souvenir:** Hydrangea honey (¥1,200) at the temple shop --- ### **⚠️ Pro Flower-Viewing Secrets** - **Best Week:** Usually **July 10-20** for peak bloom (check temple Instagram) - **Footwear:** Wear waterproof shoes—morning dew soaks the paths - **Silence Pays:** Quieter visitors spot **emerald hummingbird moths** pollinating **Why It’s Worth the Trek?** ✅ **Zero crowds** compared to Tokyo’s hydrangea spots ✅ **Otherworldly blue hues** found nowhere else ✅ **Combines perfectly** with Oga’s seafood onsens **Tag your visit #templeofbluemiracles!** 💙🏯 *(Afterward, cool off at **Hadaka Matsuri Beach**—10 mins away!)*