Hydrangeas at Hasedera

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, is famous for its hydrangeas. About 2,500 plants of more than forty species cover the slopes. Bright blue and purple flowers fill the precincts in early summer. Hasedera hydrangeas usually begin to bloom in late May and can be enjoyed until they are pruned in early July. The pruning is essential work to ensure the flowers bloom again the following year.