Natural colorful flower walls！ A hidden azalea valley in Tokyo lets you take fairy-tale photos

Travel Center / General Report

The transition between spring and summer is also when nature undergoes the richest changes. If you've already seen all the urban sights of Tokyo, why not head to the suburbs to admire the azaleas? Located in Ome City, Tokyo, the "Xi Boat Kannon Temple" is surrounded by vast seas of colorful azaleas every May, creating the most natural floral walls — one of Tokyo’s New Top 100 Views！

▲ The "Xi Boat Kannon Temple" in the Tokyo suburbs boasts an azalea valley straight out of a fairy tale. (Photo / from the Xi Boat Kannon Temple Facebook page)

▲ The "Xi Boat Kannon Temple" in the Tokyo suburbs is embraced by over 20,000 azaleas. (Photo / from the Xi Boat Kannon Temple Facebook page)

▲ A bird’s-eye view from above the azalea valley reveals breathtaking scenery of the Xi Boat Kannon Temple. (Photo / provided by an IG user)masaakingggAuthorized for use, please do not reproduce without permission)

With a history of 1,300 years, the Xi Boat Kannon Temple is located in a hollow on a mountainside, surrounded by green slopes. Its most popular attraction is the 20,000 vibrant azaleas blooming 360 degrees along the green hillsides. Looking up from the temple, clusters of azaleas resemble colorful clouds floating between the slopes, complemented by the colorful curtains hanging in the main hall, making it a dreamy floral wonderland. As a result, many visitors flock here every April and May.

▲ The main hall of the Xi Boat Kannon Temple is enveloped by a sea of azaleas. (Photo /provided by IG user y.m_1117, please do not reproduce without permission)

The azalea sea here features a wide variety, including 100 rare species. Over 3,000 types of azaleas are planted around the Xi Boat Kannon Temple. Whether at the temizuya (hand-washing basin) or within the temple gardens, everywhere is surrounded by lush azaleas. Transportation is also convenient — just take the JR Ome Line, get off at Hashimoto Station, and walk to this fairytale-like dream spot. Want to see Tokyo from a different angle? Take a trip to this romantic azalea valley！

Xi Boat Kannon Temple
Address: 194 Xi Boat, Ome City, Tokyo
Access: Get off at Hashimoto Station on the JR Ome Line, then walk about 35 minutes
Or take the Seibu Tokyo Bus / Toei Bus, get off at Xi Boat-Minami Iriguchi, then walk 10 minutes
Official Website:http://www.shiofunekannonji.or.jp/index.html