"The rainy season is not suitable for travel" ── Many may think so.
However, in Aizu, there is a special floral landscape that can only be seen at this time of year.
The outer garden of Aizu's main shrine, Isasumi Shrine, "Ayame Garden".
From mid to late June every year, about 200 species and 100,000 plants of irises, Hanashobu, and Kakitsubata bloom beautifully here. Locals say that the luster of the petals wet from the rain far exceeds that of those on 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. During this period, the total number of worshippers is said to exceed 300,000 annually, making it one of Aizu's top 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.
It is a time to fully experience Aizu during the rainy season, not just by looking at the 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 'Aizu's main shrine' protecting the entire Aizu region.
It is said that the very name 'Aizu' is derived from the origins of this shrine (there are various theories). It is a deeply rooted presence for the people of Aizu.
The Ayame Garden in the outer garden is connected to the shrine's forest. It might be best expressed as "spending time with flowers in the sacred domain", rather than just 'seeing flowers at the shrine.'
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 environments (dry land, wetlands, underwater), and their flower shapes vary slightly.
At the Ayame Garden 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 this garden, 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 with the same 'purple', there are bluish purples, reddish purples, variegated patterns, and edged varieties. There are not many places where you can see such a wide range of colors during the same blooming period.
Walking after knowing, Ayame-en
When we guide our guests to the Ayame Festival, we first take them to pray 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 seeing the flowers."
Then, strangely, the way the flowers appear changes. They are not flowers seen in a tourist flower bed, 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," June will become something to look forward to 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 Ko, 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.
Because it's the rainy season
In rainy weather, 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, the flowers soaked in gentle rain are more memorable in photos and memories. Walking with an umbrella is one of the joys of the Ayame Festival.
Places you want to visit together
- Hōyō-ji (Aizumisato Town, Suzuririn) ── An ancient temple founded in the 4th year of the Yōrō era. You can enjoy Aizumisato Town in one day combined with the Ayame Festival.
- Eijitsu-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 faith history of Aizu.
- Aizuwakamatsu and Tsuruga Castle ── About a 30-minute drive from Isasumi Shrine.
Would you like to join us on a journey to meet 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, guiding one group per day.
We can also create 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. Leave all 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 a consultation is fine; we will not pressure you with persistent sales tactics.
👉 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 Iide Mountain Shugendo — The mountains that 13-year-old boys bravely challenged with 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 guides visitors in Urabandai and Aizu while sharing stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks, limited to one group per day.
