Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain

Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain in Akiruno City, western Tokyo, is a privately owned hillside forest transformed into one of Japan's most remarkable hydrangea destinations. The site was created over 50 years by Chuichi Minamisawa, affectionately known as "Chuitchan," who began planting hydrangeas in the 1970s to beautify the path leading to his parents' grave. What started with 20 seedlings has grown into approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants covering the steep mountain slopes within a natural cedar forest setting.

The mountain gained recognition as an official tourism resource by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in April 2018. Unlike typical hydrangea sites found at temples or formal gardens, this location offers a unique forest experience where the flowers bloom naturally among towering cedar trees and alongside a mountain stream. The collection includes over 30 species of hydrangeas, featuring rare varieties such as "Dance Party" and "Sumida Fireworks," alongside common types like bigleaf hydrangeas, Annabelle, and mountain hydrangeas. The blooms display a spectrum of colors from deep blues and violets to pinks, reds, and whites.

Visitors walk along groomed trails that wind through the serene forest environment at approximately 360 meters elevation. The paths are marked with whimsical wooden dwarf sculptures created by local artist Tomonaga Akimitsu, adding a fairytale quality to the experience. The mountain attracts around 10,000 visitors annually during peak bloom season from mid-June to early July. After Minamisawa passed away in July 2023 at age 92, local entrepreneur Takamizu Ken and his company do-mo assumed responsibility for maintaining the site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The mountain is located 3 kilometers northwest of JR Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the Itsukaichi Line, requiring a 75-minute journey from central Tokyo via Shinjuku Station with transfers through the Chuo and Ome lines. Visitors can walk the 40-minute hiking trail from the station or use a seasonal shuttle bus during the festival period. Those arriving by car can reach the site in 30 minutes from Akiruno Interchange on the Ken-o Expressway, with paid parking available at 800 yen per vehicle.