Shrine · Hakusan / Bunkyo
Hakusan Shrine (Bunkyo) 白山神社
A neighbourhood shrine in Bunkyo that turns blue and purple each June, when some 3,000 hydrangeas bloom for the Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri, one of Tokyo's favourite hydrangea festivals.
About
Hakusan Shrine was founded in 948 as a branch of Kaga's Shirayama Hime Shrine, and moved to its present spot in the 17th century; it was later revered by the fifth shogun Tsunayoshi and his mother. For most of the year it's a peaceful local shrine with a giant ginkgo, but in June the grounds and adjoining Hakusan Park are packed with about 3,000 hydrangeas of many varieties for the Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri, with stalls and local events. Behind the main hall sits a Fuji-zuka mini Mt. Fuji, opened to visitors only during the festival. A small stone in the grounds also commemorates the Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen, who is said to have discussed the revolution with a Japanese supporter here while gazing at the stars in 1910.
Highlights
- Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri in June with around 3,000 hydrangeas
- Fuji-zuka behind the main hall, opened only during the hydrangea festival
- Founded in 948, later patronised by shogun Tsunayoshi
- Memorial stone recalling Sun Yat-sen's 1910 visit
- Quiet, residential neighbourhood shrine the rest of the year
Tips
- Hakusan Station (Mita Line) Exit A3 is about 3 minutes away.
- The festival is usually the first half of June; weekday mornings beat the weekend crowds.
- Hakusan Park next door is part of the festival, loop through it for the densest hydrangea beds.
- Combine with Koishikawa Botanical Garden or Rikugien nearby.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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