The Hakkejima Ajisai Festival (八景島あじさい祭) is a premier early summer event at Hakkejima Sea Paradise in Yokohama. Boasting 20,000 ajisai (hydrangea) bushes, it is one of the Kanto region’s largest floral displays. Throughout June, visitors explore the island’s scenic paths, featuring the signature “Hakkejima Blue” variety. After sunset, 130 bamboo lanterns provide a warm, atmospheric glow along the floral walkways. To complete the experience, the Bay Market serves seasonal hydrangea-themed desserts, making this a quintessential seaside matsuri for nature enthusiasts.
The island is easily accessible via the Seaside Line to Hakkejima Station. While the flower trails and “Ajisai Path” are free to enter, the park also operates a special “Ajisai Train” that winds through the most densely bloomed areas for a small fee. Because the island is located directly on the coast, the flowers often stay in bloom slightly longer than those in central Tokyo. Photographers generally recommend visiting in the late afternoon to capture the transition from natural light to the warm evening illumination of the bamboo lanterns.
