Hello, fellow travel lovers!
This time, I visited the “Ajisai Festival” in Akiruno City, Tokyo!
First up, let me introduce Minamisawa Hydrangea Mountain—aka the “Miracle Hydrangea Trail”! 🌸
Believe it or not, this magical mountain was planted with hydrangeas by just one man—Chuicchan—over 50 years! 💐✨
That alone makes it worth the trip—but wait, there’s more! Handmade sweets and hats by a super cheerful grandma? This isn’t just a flower walk—it’s a full-blown adventure!
- 【How to Get There】Shuttle, taxi, or a good old hike? Let’s figure it out!
- 【We’ve Arrived!】Hot Tips & Grandma Power!
- 【Into the Mountain We Go!】This Is What a Real Hydrangea “Mountain” Looks Like!
- 【Bloom Check!】Shy Beauties at About 30%
- 【Forest Mystery】A Red Hat, a White Beard... and a Wooden Stake?!
- 【Rest Stop】Sweet Dango & a Little Local Wisdom 🍡
- 【Post-Hike Perks】Plump Koi & Blooming Potted Hydrangeas
- Little Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit! ♪
- 旅じゅんの旅メモ
【How to Get There】Shuttle, taxi, or a good old hike? Let’s figure it out!
It was May 13, 2025—the first day of the shuttle bus service! We started our adventure from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.
体力温存派 → タクシー（片道約1,600円）
体力勝負派 → 徒歩（約40分、おむすび0.7個分の消費）
節約派 → シャトルバス（なんと片道300円！）
という三択。旅じゅん女子チームは……迷ってタクシー（笑）だって、これから山登りですし！
【We’ve Arrived!】Hot Tips & Grandma Power!
The first thing that caught our eye? A sweet discount deal right at the entrance gate!
実は、本日、あじさい山 ＋ わんダフルネイチャーヴィレッジ ＋ 瀬音の湯を巡る予定。
3か所セット券がないのが残念！
And just beyond that… BOOM! Grandma’s pop-up market appears!
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There were kibi mochi (millet rice cakes), mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed dumplings), and mame mochi with a punch of salt—simple but seriously tasty!
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Handmade hats and gloves—surprisingly stylish and super affordable!
With a big smile, Grandma said, “I made all of these myself! I’m 83! And hey—that hat looks great on you!”
Before we knew it, we were all buying stuff left and right—no resistance at all! 😂
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Tiny potted plants—perfect as souvenirs! 🪴
I grabbed a little burning bush (Nishikigi), which turns fiery red in autumn—can’t wait to see it change! 🍁
I also picked up a Hakuchouge—its tiny pink flowers are just too cute to resist! 🌸
【Into the Mountain We Go!】This Is What a Real Hydrangea “Mountain” Looks Like!
Off we go onto the hydrangea trail! Just so you know—this isn’t a park. It’s a legit mountain! ⛰️
Right after we started climbing, we spotted a sign: “10 years to this point.” Whoa… so this is what dedication looks like.
【Bloom Check!】Shy Beauties at About 30%
The hydrangeas were about 30% in bloom—just a bit behind the ones in town. 🌸
But in return, we got peaceful vibes, lush greenery, and the freshest mountain air. 🍃
【Forest Mystery】A Red Hat, a White Beard... and a Wooden Stake?!
As we walked along, out of nowhere—bam! A strange stake with a red hat and a white beard appeared!
Wait… who is this? Chuicchan? A forest spirit? My imagination was running wild—definitely a photo spot!
【Rest Stop】Sweet Dango & a Little Local Wisdom 🍡
We took a little break halfway up the mountain.
Reading the info sign, munching on dango, and cooling down with a nice view—what more could you want?
【Post-Hike Perks】Plump Koi & Blooming Potted Hydrangeas
At the bottom of the trail, we found a lovely garden where some plump, pampered koi were gliding gracefully through the water. Clearly, they’re living the good life!
And then—bam! The potted hydrangeas were in full, glorious bloom!
The mountain blooms will catch up soon enough—I can feel it! 🌸✨
Little Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit! ♪
📌 The shuttle bus doesn’t run often—be sure to check the schedule!
📌 Essentials: hat, sunscreen, and good shoes. Your future self will thank you!
📌 The wagashi (Japanese sweets) had a simple, gentle flavor. (We even spotted them at the local JA shop!)
📌 They say there’s hydrangea tea, hydrangea beer, and even hydrangea soft serve… but we couldn’t find them this time!
📌 The trail is no joke—take it slow and go at your own pace!
旅じゅんの旅メモ
🕒 Date of visit: Mid-June 2025
🚗 アクセス方法： Shuttle bus from JR Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (walking or taxi also available)
📍 Location: 368 Fukazawa, Akiruno City, Tokyo
🌸 Seasonal highlights: Hydrangeas (about 30% in bloom—full bloom coming soon)
💬 Crowd level: Light crowd on a weekday morning; the mountain trail was easy to enjoy at our own pace
It wasn’t peak bloom just yet, but…
The story of one man spending 50 years to grow this mountain of blooms… honestly, that touched me even more than the flowers themselves.
The hydrangeas, Grandma, and Chuicchan—they were all the stars of the show.
Even with fewer blooms, it was a full-on five-star experience! ✨
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
