Things to do in September 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in September near Tokyo? It’s a nice time to visit as the summer starts to cool down, and places are less crowded.
Mt. Ohira Hydrangea Festival
Tochigi Ajisai Matsuri
とちぎあじさいまつり（栃木市）
Enjoy walking up the beautiful Hydrangea hill on Mt. Ohira
Last updated by Angus M
on June 16, 2025
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
DATE
2025
: 13th June (Fri) to 29th June (Sun)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-05-13
TIME & SCHEDULE
You can climb the hill and enjoy Hydrangeas anytime during the Day.
Special Events Schedule:
Nanjing Jade Drop's Performance
Sunday, June 22, 1st from 11 o'clock, 2nd from 13:30
Demonstration of Edo Karakuri Doll
Saturday, June 14 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 28 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nikko Monkey Corps performance
Sunday, June 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parking time 9:00 am～5:00 pm, 500yen per car
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-05-13
COST
Free
*Parking is 500 yen per car
*Information last checked on 2025-05-13
How to enjoy Tochigi Hydrangea Festival
Picturesque scenery
(Insta worthy!)
Fun for a group of friends
Fun for solo travelers
Experience Traditional Japan
Great girls day out
Fun for couples
Fun for the family
Enjoy 1-2 hours
💐Enjoy the symbol of early summer and see the beautiful Blue, Pink, and Purple Hydrangeas!💐
Come visit Tochigi city and climb the 💐Hydrangea Hill or Mount Ohira and see the beautiful views of Ajisai (Hydrangea) flowers!
Just as the rainy season☔ starts, it’s time to enjoy the 2,500 Hydrangeas at one of the best spots near Tokyo. Hop on a short bus ride from Tochigi station and move your legs to walk the 1,000 steps through the flowers✨. Many places on the way to take photos, so don’t forget your camera.
On your way back, make sure to visit the city center of Tochigi city where there are many Edo period buildings as well as small museums and activities. Checkout Matcha and teacake classes (book here), shops where you can blend your own Japanese incense into a cute bag (book here), rent a Kimono, or take a short boat ride on a Edo-style gondola boat.
What to do nearby Tochigi Hydrangea Festival?
Local recommendations
- Active
- Hike to the Shrine at the tip of the hill (1,000 steps, 341 meters)
City center
- Walk around the old town (City center)
- Unique Experiences
City center
- Matcha and teacake class
- Make your own Japanese Incense
- Kimono Rental
- Walk around the old town
- Food / Drink
- Yakitori, Omlet & Dango
City center
- Edo themed Lunch/dinner
- Attractions
City center
- Take a short boat ride on Uzuma river (巴波川遊覧船）
- Culture
City center
- Yokoyama Folk Museum (横山郷土館)
- Okada Kinenkan (岡田記念館）
- Dashikaikan (山車会館）
Shoai Samurai
Visit Shoai Samurai for a unique, eco-friendly Japanese culture experience.
Try traditional indigo dyeing (Aizome) and support the local community. Create your masterpiece while making a positive impact!
'Tochigi City'
(learn more about this area)
Tochigi City is 1 hour north of Tokyo and is a popular destination on the way to Nikko or Ashikaga. Visitors can enjoy many traditional Edo period activities here.
Places to EAT in Tochigi City
Places to STAY in Tochigi City
Hotels (Western Style)
There is a few western style hotels around the north side of Tochigi Station.
Ryokan (Japanese Style)
Tochigi City is home to Kanahan, a hisorical Ryokan in the town center.
Guesthouses & Aiirbnbs
There is a guesthouse on the Uzuma river near the town centerand a few airbnbs.
Kanahan (Ryokan)
Make your stay in Japan special. Visit this family-run ryokan with a history since the Edo period. Its been carefully renovated keeping the original building and feel. Some meals on the menu were even created based on old documents from Edo-period. (Baths are all private)
Access (How to get to Mt. Ohira Hydrangea Festival)
How to get there
Public Transport
90 min from Tokyo by train.
Car
1 h 50min drive from Tokyo by car
Location & Address
Address
Ajisaizaka Hill on Mt. Ohira
大平山 あじさい坂
Hirai-machi, Tochigi-city, Tochigi Pref. Japan 328-0054
〒328-0054 栃木県栃木市平井町
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via Tochigi Station (Tobu Line or JR Ryomo Line)
Take the Tobu Line or JR Ryomo Line to Tochig Station and exit from the North exit. From in front of the Station take a bus bound for ‘Kokugakuin mae (国学院前)’. Get off at Kokugakuin Mae after approximately 15 minutes. Ajisaizaka (Hill with Hydrangeas) starts near the bus stop.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Tichigi IC on Tohoku Expressway and Kita-Kanto Expressway
From the Tochigi IC on the Tohoku Expressway and Kita-Kanto Expressway, drive 20 minutes.
(Although there is parking, it is limited and can get crowded during high season, so if you are visiting during the peak, we recommend leaving the car near Tochigi station and take the bus for 15 minutes)
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event, please contact the Tochigi City Tourist Association website directly.
Tel: +81 (0)282-25-2356
Websites
Tochigi City Tourist Association website (External Link – Japanese)
Disclaimer: NearbyTokyo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information by researching and contacting event organizers. All information on the page is provided in good faith. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, or availability of any information found here. Readers are encouraged to verify any information with official sources.
