Summer in Japan is quite hot and humid. It becomes even hotter this year. Some cities hit the record-breaking temperature as high as over 40 degrees. So obviously it is not comfortable to travel under such climate. But at the same time, this is the season you can enjoy many flowers.
Here is my unauthorised ranking of Japanese flowers in summer.
5. Hydrangea
One of the most common summer flowers in Japan. They can be seen in June but sometimes, you can see them in August. The above is the hydrangea in Hakusan Jinja Shrine which holds Hydrangea Festival Every June.
Hydrangea in Yamanashi Flower Center
The above is the hydrangea in August.
4. Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle in Zenko-ji Temple in Kofu City
Crape Myrtles are everywhere in ordinary residences, on streets or in temples and shrines. Usually flowers are red and white but sometimes there are purple flowers.
3. Water Lily and Lotus
Lotus in Denzu-in Temple
Shinobazu Pond and Lotus
Water lilies and lotus look quite similar. Both are beautiful summer flowers. The difference is how the flowers bloom. The flowers of water lilies are just above the water, while those of lotus are on top of the stems stretching out from the water. The flowers bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon so you have to wake up early to see the flowers.
2. Morning Glory
There are traditional flower markets of morning glories in Tokyo. The market in Iriya is the most famous but there are several other Morning Glory Markets. Every year, I visit the market held in Denzu-in Temple.
1. Sunflower
I put sunflower as the No.1 Japanese flower in summer. The gorgeous looking fits for the summer sunshine. Recently I wrote about Sunflower Festival in Akeno-cho, Hokuto City in Yamanashi. You may come across the labyrinth made of sunflowers.
Let me add one more flower-like plant – Chinese Lantern. Orange shapes are not flowers so they cannot be included in the flower ranking but they are also popular during summer.
Special Ranking – Chinese Lantern
Chinese Lanterns in Genkaku-ji Temple
Like Morning Glory Markets, there are Chinese Lantern Markets held in July.
