"The rainy season is not suitable for travel" ── Many may think so.
However, in Aizu, there is a special floral scenery that can only be seen at this time of year.
The outer garden of Aizu's main shrine, Isasumi Shrine, "Ayame-en".
From mid to late June each year, about 200 species and 100,000 plants of irises, hanashobu, and kakitsubata bloom beautifully here. Locals say that the luster of the petals soaked in rain far surpasses that of sunny days.
Ayame Festival ── Aizu's premier flower festival attracting 300,000 visitors annually.
At Isasumi Shrine, the "Ayame Festival" is held every year from mid to late June. It is said that the total number of visitors during this period exceeds 300,000 annually, making it one of Aizu's premier flower festivals.
On weekends, events are held on a special stage within the shrine grounds, and a tea ceremony is also held in the outer garden.
This is a time to fully experience Aizu during the rainy season, not just by viewing flowers, but by immersing oneself in the 'scenery' and 'sounds' that blend with the shrine's forest.
The significance of Aizu's main shrine, Isasumi Shrine.
Isasumi Shrine is an ancient shrine that has long been revered as the "Main Shrine of Aizu", protecting the entire Aizu region.
It is said that the very name 'Aizu' is derived from the auspiciousness of this shrine (there are various theories). It is a deeply rooted presence for the people of Aizu.
The Ayame-en in the outer garden is located in a continuous area with the shrine's forest. Rather than 'seeing flowers at the shrine', it might be more accurate to say 'spending time with flowers within the sacred domain'.
Why are there 200 species and 100,000 plants?
Even though we refer to them collectively as 'irises', irises, hanashobu, and kakitsubata are actually different plants. They look similar, but they bloom in different locations (dry land, wetlands, underwater), and their flower shapes vary slightly.
At the Ayame-en of Isasumi Shrine, there are about 200 species, including these three types and varieties from around the world. The locals and the shrine have spent a long time cultivating it, creating one of the largest iris gardens in the world.
When you visit during the peak blooming season, you can stop in front of each flower. Even among the same 'purple', you can see bluish-purple, reddish-purple, variegated patterns, and edged varieties. There are not many places where such a wide range of colors can be seen during the same blooming period.
Walking after knowing, Ayame-en
When we guide our guests to the Ayame Festival, we first take them to pay respects at the main shrine and then walk to the Ayame-en in the outer garden. This follows the local custom of "greeting the gods of Aizu before viewing the flowers."
Then, strangely enough, the way the flowers appear changes. They are not flowers in a tourist spot, but flowers blooming in a sacred area. There are often moments when guests crouch down in front of the flowers with a feeling of slightly straightening their collars.
Each flower has a variety name and description attached. If you find a variety that interests you, please try to remember its name. When you have a favorite that makes you think, "I want to see this variety again next year," you will look forward to June every year.
If you are going to the Ayame Festival
Event Period
Every year from mid to late June. The peak blooming period varies from year to year, so please check the blooming status on the official information of Isasumi Shrine.
Access
4377 Miyabayashi, Aizumisato Town, Onuma District, Fukushima Prefecture. About a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from JR Tadami Line, Aizutakada Station. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Aizuwakamatsu city.
Especially during the rainy season
On rainy days, the flowers are adorned with raindrops, presenting a different expression than on sunny days. Please do not think, "Let's skip today because it's raining." Rather, flowers wet with gentle rain remain better in photos and memories. Walking with an umbrella is one of the joys of the Ayame Festival.
Places to visit together
- Hōyō-ji (Aizumisato Town, Suzuririn) ── An ancient temple founded in the 4th year of Yōrō. Enjoy Aizumisato Town in one day combined with the Ayame Festival.
- Keijitsu-ji Ruins (Bandai Town) ── One of the oldest temples in Tohoku, founded by the Bodhisattva Tokui in the early Heian period. A day tracing the history of faith in Aizu.
- Aizuwakamatsu and Tsuruga Castle ── About a 30-minute drive from Isasumi Shrine.
Would you like to join us on a journey to encounter stories?
At Tabinoito, guide Catherine, who has lived in Urabandai and Aizu for half a century, shares stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks, providing tours limited to one group per day.
We can arrange a half-day course to explore Aizumisato Town during the rainy season, visiting the Iris Festival at Isasumi Shrine → Hoyoji Temple → Aizuwakamatsu, tailored to your requests. You can leave all the long-distance driving and arrangements to us.
"I want to enjoy a trip even in the rainy season" or "I want to see flowers with my spouse" ─ feel free to share any requests. Just consulting is also okay, and we will not pressure you with persistent sales tactics.
👉 Get a free consultation via LINE:
https://page.line.me/tabinoito
👉 View travel plans for senior couples:
https://tabinoito.com/senior/
👉 View travel plans for filial piety:
https://tabinoito.com/oyakouko/
Related articles:
Hoyoji Temple and the Shugendo of Mount Iide ── The mountains faced by 13-year-old boys risking their lives
Reference materials
- Isasumi Shrine - Iris Garden Official
- Iris Festival Information (Aizumisato Town Tourism Navi "Misatono")
- On-site coverage (Visit and interviews by Tabinoito guide Catherine)
Author of this article
Catherine ── A guide who has lived in Fukushima Prefecture, Urabandai, and Aizu for half a century. Founder of the private tour company "Tabinoito". With over 30 years of guiding experience, she is deeply knowledgeable about the local nature, history, and cultural beliefs. She provides tours of Urabandai and Aizu, sharing stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks, limited to one group per day.
