Floating Hydrangeas and Night Illumination at Amabiki Kannon Temple

Amabiki Kannon Temple in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki, is a beloved summer destination known for its stunning hydrangeas. But beyond the hillside blooms lies a deeper beauty—the mesmerizing Suichuka, or floating hydrangeas, and a magical night-time light-up that transforms the temple grounds. This time, instead of visiting in the morning as usual, I arrived in the afternoon and stayed through the sunset and evening. From charming animal encounters to a refreshing blueberry cider, I invite you to experience this healing journey through the eyes of a doctor.

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A Calming Journey from Afternoon to Night

As a doctor, I’m always on the lookout for spaces that truly nourish the mind and body. This year, instead of my usual early morning visit to Amabiki Kannon in Sakuragawa City, I arrived in the afternoon to observe how the mood of the temple changes with the light. The experience peaked during the night-time illumination, when the grounds transformed into a dreamlike sanctuary—shedding the stress of daily life.

What is Amabiki Kannon? A Sacred Temple with 1,400 Years of History

Amabiki Kannon, formally known as Amabikiyama Rakuhoji, was founded in the year 587 during the Asuka period. It belongs to the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism and is widely visited by those praying for fertility, safe childbirth, and healing. Known as the “Kannon of Fertility,” this temple has long been a spiritual cornerstone for families.

Perched on a hillside, the temple offers sweeping views of the Kanto Plain. Cherry blossoms in spring, floating hydrangeas in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and a snow-blanketed hush in winter—each season paints the temple in a new palette of tranquility.

Getting There and When to Go

Public transportation is available, but not very frequent—especially during the busy hydrangea season. Driving is your best option, with easy access from the Joban Expressway (about 30 minutes from Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC). Just set your GPS to “Amabiki Kannon,” and you’ll be guided smoothly.

However, during peak bloom (mid-June to early July), congestion is common. On weekends, it’s not unusual to wait up to an hour for parking. I recommend visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon for a relaxed experience.

Hydrangeas and Suichuka: A Dreamlike Summer Display

Amabiki Kannon is home to over 5,000 hydrangea plants across more than 100 varieties. While the hillside blooms are beautiful in their own right, the true showstopper is Suichuka—floating hydrangea blossoms arranged in the temple pond.

Originally, these were flowers trimmed during seasonal pruning. Instead of discarding them, temple staff decided to float them in water—and the serene beauty quickly went viral. Today, visitors come from all over Japan just to see this one-of-a-kind display.

The sight of hydrangeas gently drifting on the water, reflecting the sky, offers a poetic stillness. As someone constantly immersed in urgent medical decisions, this moment felt like a deep exhale for the soul.

Gentle Animal Encounters Among the Flowers

One of the most unique aspects of Amabiki Kannon is the presence of free-roaming animals. Peacocks casually stroll across the temple grounds, occasionally fanning out their vivid plumage. Ducks, goats, and sheep are also kept on-site, adding a touch of countryside charm. Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs, making it an inclusive destination for animal lovers.

Especially charming is the sight of ducks paddling gently through the hydrangea pond. Catching that moment with your camera feels like a reward in itself—a fleeting yet precious memory.

Cooling Down with Tsukuba Blueberry Cider

The temple’s rest area offers local refreshments, including the delightful “Tsukuba Blueberry Cider.” With its rich flavor and crisp finish, it was a perfect match for the humid summer afternoon.

As a physician, I’m keenly aware of the risks of heatstroke. Taking time to cool off with a chilled drink in the shade, watching ducks float through hydrangeas, felt like the ultimate self-care—both physically and mentally.

Night Illumination and Fantasy Effects: A Different World After Dark

As the sun began to set, the entire mood of the temple shifted. The hydrangeas and ponds gradually turned golden, bathed in the warm tones of twilight. And as dusk deepened into night, the magic truly began.

The floating Suichuka blossoms were softly illuminated from below, casting shimmering reflections across the pond. The colors and shadows danced gently on the water, creating an entirely different atmosphere from the day. What truly surprised me was the use of light projections—like subtle projection mapping—across temple walls and gravel paths. The ancient architecture came alive under colorful lights, as if breathing with history and imagination.

Soap bubbles floated through the air, and occasional mist effects added layers of dreamlike texture to the scene. The entire temple felt like an immersive stage where light, water, and flowers performed in harmony. If you’ve only visited during the day, the nighttime experience will feel like discovering a whole new world.

Event Details for 2025

This year’s floating hydrangea display has ended. We hope you’ll visit next yea

• Event Dates: June 1 to July 6, 2025 (tentative)
• Light-Up Hours: From sunset to around 8:00 PM (subject to change with weather)
• Admission: 500 yen
• Parking: Free
• Access: About 30 minutes by car from Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC / 15 minutes by taxi from JR Iwase Station

You can check the temple’s official website and social media for real-time updates on bloom conditions and event details. Since light-up events may vary with weather, it’s best to confirm the latest information before you go.

Conclusion: A Doctor’s Perspective on Floral Healing

Amabiki Kannon is far more than a hydrangea destination. With its combination of natural beauty, historical architecture, free-roaming animals, and immersive light performances, it engages all five senses—and offers something we rarely find in modern life: deep inner calm.

As a physician, I often witness the toll that overstimulation and stress take on people’s well-being. This temple reminded me how essential it is to reconnect with nature and slowness. The scent of flowers, the sound of birds and bubbling water, the soft twilight breeze—these simple elements have a profound healing effect.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily life, I truly recommend visiting in the afternoon and staying for the night-time light-up. Amabiki Kannon might just help you rediscover your own quiet center.

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🌸 Explore More Floral Journeys

If Amabiki Kannon’s hydrangeas moved you, why not explore more seasonal flower destinations around Japan?
As a physician, I share reflections on how nature and flowers help restore inner balance.
Take a mindful stroll through blooms and beauty:
▶︎ See more floral journeys here

🌸 If this post inspired you to try ikebana, check out our recommended lessons here: