If you’re planning to go sightseeing, including seasonal activities unique to that time of year in your itinerary is ideal. In this issue, we introduce essential travel information for June in Hiroshima, including weather, appropriate fashion, key events, and recommended spots, catering to those interested in experiencing the uniqueness of the season.
*Please note that the event information listed is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
To learn more about Hiroshima in summer, check here!
Hiroshima in June
Weather
June in Hiroshima is humid as the city enters the rainy season (Most part of Japan has rainy season in June to July). Temperatures average between about 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, with relatively warm days, but occasionally heavy rainfall is possible. There will be sunny but humid days.
Events
Hiroshima City hosts one of the three major festivals in Hiroshima in June, the Tokasan Festival. The festival attracts many people wearing yukata (light cotton kimono) and is crowded with food stalls and fairs, providing a great opportunity to experience Japanese summer culture. Moreover, hydrangeas are at their best in June. Appreciating flowers unique to this season and visiting riverside parks and nature spots to see fireflies are also recommended.
Travel
June is the beginning of the tourist season, and sightseeing spots are relatively empty. You may wish to take advantage of a break in the rainy season to visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima or Hiroshima Castle. However, we recommend that you prepare rain gear when planning outdoor activities.
June Fashion
A light, water-repellent jacket and a folding umbrella are essential in preparation for the rainy season. Since it can be warm during the day, it is helpful to bring a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or cardigan. Also, because of the high humidity, it is best to wear breathable clothing to ensure a comfortable stay.
Traditional festival that heralds early summer in Hiroshima
In Japan, there are many traditional festivals to celebrate the arrival of the seasons, and in June, Hiroshima Prefecture hosts a number of events that attract many people each year, including festivals so large that they are considered the three largest festivals in Hiroshima, and traditional events that are registered as UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. Please take this opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
Tokasan Festival (とうかさん祭り)
This festival is held annually over three days from the first Friday to Sunday in June. It is one of the three major festivals in Hiroshima and attracts about 80,000 visitors each year.
Tokasan Festival, also known as the Festival of Start Wearing Yukata, is celebrated earlier than similar festivals in other regions. It stands out by drawing crowds who wear the traditional yukata much earlier in the season, highlighting a unique cultural tradition of Hiroshima. Many people enjoy the festival in yukata, and the city becomes very festive. In addition, more than 500 bright red lanterns are lit at the temple on the day of the festival, creating a spectacular sight.
Mibu no Hana Taue (壬生の花田植)
It is one of the events that heralds the arrival of early summer in the northern region of Hiroshima Prefecture. The event was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2011. It is a big event that attracts about 10,000 spectators every year.
Best Locations for Firefly Viewing
Fireflies flying in the night sky are scenery that can be seen only during this season. Enjoy a moment of early summer by going out to a spot rich in nature and experiencing the fantastic scenery.
Hiroshima Yuki Experience Centre (広島市湯来交流体験センター)
Hiroshima Yuki Experience Centre is a leisure facility full of activities that allow visitors to experience nature programs, traditional agriculture, forestry, history, and culture. Located about an hour’s drive from the center of Hiroshima City, the center is in a hot spring resort area with rich natural surroundings. The site also has a campground, footbath, and produce market, and is crowded with tourists in the summer.
Every year from June to July, many fireflies fly around, and around the end of June, the Firefly Festival is held. During this period, many fireflies can be seen, including genji botaru, heike botaru, and himebotaru.
Hotarumi Park (ほたる見公園)
Hotarumi Park is located along the clear waters of the Takechi River. It is one of the best places in the prefecture for fireflies, and a firefly-viewing event is held every year at the end of June. The park also has a campground where visitors can enjoy fishing and other river activities.
Sandankyo Gorge (三段峡)
Fireflies can be seen from late June every year at Sandankyo Gorge, a special national scenic beauty spot. In early summer, you can also enjoy activities such as kayaking and SUP in Sandankyo. It is recommended to refresh yourself with river activities during the hot and humid season.
Best Locations for Beautiful Flowers at their best
Here are three recommended flower spots in June!
Kannonji Temple (観音寺)
Visitors can view 5,000 hydrangeas of 400 varieties in the precincts of Kannon-ji Temple. The hydrangea viewing period is usually from early to late June, and many tourists visit the temple in early summer when the hydrangeas are in full bloom. During this period, a wind-bell festival is also held at the same time. Please take a look at the wind chimes in the precincts of the temple, where you will find a typical Japanese landscape.
Sankeien Garden (三景園)
Sankeien is a 6-hectare circular garden built in 1993 to commemorate the opening of Hiroshima Airport. A flower festival is held every year from around early June for about a month. Every year in June, 10,000 hydrangeas and hanshoubu (Japanese flowering plants) of 100 varieties bloom, attracting visitors to the garden.
Kozan Lavender Hill (香山ラベンダーの丘)
The Lavender Festa is held every year from early June to late July at the Kozan Lavender Hill in the Sera Plateau. In addition to lavender, other seasonal herbs such as grosbeak, hidcote, and betel clover are in full bloom. Visitors can purchase herb seedlings and taste lavender coffee, herb tea, and blueberry soft serve ice cream at the on-site cafe.
Editor’s Comment
EditorJune is often a rainy month, which can make outings challenging; however, this time of year also offers unique experiences that are not to be missed, Enjoy!
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