Japan is blessed with a variety of summer flowers that add vibrant colors and beauty to the landscape. Here are some of the popular summer flowers in Japan that are attractive for sightseeing and travel:
1. Sunflowers: Sunflower fields are a common sight in the summer months in Japan. The sprawling fields of bright yellow sunflowers create a cheerful and picturesque scene. One of the famous sunflower spots is the Himawari-no-Sato in Hokkaido.
2. Lavender: Hokkaido is also known for its lavender fields, particularly in Furano. The lavender blooms from late June to early August, and visitors can enjoy the soothing fragrance and the mesmerizing purple hues of the lavender fields.
3. Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas, or ajisai in Japanese, are a popular flower during the rainy season, which typically falls in June. The Ajisai Temple in Kamakura and Meigetsu-in Temple in Tokyo are famous for their beautiful hydrangea displays.
4. Morning Glories: Morning glories are delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of vibrant colors. The Asagao Flower Festival in Iriya, Tokyo, celebrates the blooming of morning glories with colorful displays and traditional festivities.
5. Water Lilies: The Japanese Garden at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo features serene ponds adorned with water lilies. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and the beauty of these floating flowers.
6. Fireworks Festivals: While not flowers themselves, fireworks festivals are an integral part of Japanese summer culture. These festivals, known as Hanabi Taikai, are held throughout Japan during the summer months. Spectacular firework displays illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
7. Lotus Flowers: Lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and enlightenment, bloom in ponds and water gardens during the summer. The Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, Tokyo, is famous for its lotus flowers, providing a tranquil setting for visitors.
8. Crape Myrtles: Crape myrtles, or sarusuberi in Japanese, are flowering trees that bloom with colorful clusters of flowers during the summer. These trees can be found in many parks and gardens across Japan, adding vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white to the landscape.
These are just a few examples of the beautiful summer flowers you can experience while sightseeing and traveling in Japan. The exact blooming periods may vary each year, so it's advisable to check the local forecasts and plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the splendor of these seasonal blooms.