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
10 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.
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Wild Hokkaido
Activities -
2
Only in Japan: Vending Machines That Go Way Beyond Drinks
Culture -
3
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
4
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
5
Create Your Own Adventure in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture
Ehime - Sponsored -
6
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
7
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
8
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored -
9
Bills Unveils New Spring/Summer Menu
Food -
10
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa