Senko-ji (the temple of 1000 lights) sits just outside of central Kurume. It would escape the notice of even the most die-hard temple hopper if it weren't for the acres of hydrangeas that burst into bloom here every June. Flowers ranging from deep purple to a delicate pink and even pure white cover the grounds. For a small 200 yen fee, visitors can stroll through the hydrangeas and even hike to the top of the hill to see the temple's impressive bamboo forest.
- 1 min read
Hydrangeas at Senko-ji
Rainy season blooms in rural Kurume

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

These hydrangeas go a long way toward brightening up the June rainy season!

The garden behind the temple is awash in color

The overcast skies don't dampen the color of the hydrangeas

The front of the temple gives a taste of what's to come

The grounds behind the temple are covered in hydrangea bushes and crisscrossed by paths

The colors of the blooms here range from deep purple to light pink and white

Despite it being the first weekend of hydrangea viewing, the temple was relatively uncrowded

A variety of different hydrangeas grow on the grounds

A sea of color
Join the discussion
Thanks, Tom. It's a bit off the beaten path (most of Kyushu is though, isn't it? :P) and you need a car but it's worth the effort.
Tom Hanaway
11 years ago
Great photos, Mandy! I love the mixture of colors on the hydrangea bushes. Looks like this garden is totally worth the small entrance fee.
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