A Photographer’s Guide to Myohoji’s Summer Hydrangeas

purple hydrangea bush

A nearly hour-long walk under a 32°c sun, weighed down by a camera and a bag full of lenses—was it worth it for a few photos of hydrangeas? Absolutely. The challenging journey to Myohoji in June 2022 was rewarded not only with beautiful flower pictures but with the chance to photograph the stunning temple itself. For photographers and explorers, it was proof that sometimes, the effort is the best part of the adventure.

mop head hydrangea flowers

The hydrangea garden at Myohoji

Many of the hydrangeas were past their best, showing wilted petals and signs of sun damage. There were still more than enough in good condition to make for beautiful photographs.

For those who haven’t seen them, the hydrangeas are tucked away at the rear of the temple, next to the graveyard. Most temples have one of those.

They are in a large square with Japanese Irises in the middle. Unfortunately, those had well and truly wilted. There were none left when I got there.

Myohyoji hydrangeas on lantern-lined path

The hydrangeas also run along a lantern-lined path.  That gives the garden a traditional feel.  Actually, it is my favorite hydrangea-themed photo from Myohoji. I wonder what it looks like lit at night?

pink hydrangea

Photography notes: Handheld HDR in the sun

Capturing the hydrangeas in the harsh midday sun, however, required a specific technique. All these photos were handheld HDR. The conditions were a little windy, but that wasn’t a problem. I simply waited until the gusts died down, then I hit the shutter button.

purple and blue Myohoji hydrangeas

How Myohoji compares

If you love hydrangeas, I know of two larger places with gardens for them. One is the tiny Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo Ward. Its arrangement of flowers is more creative. Pots filled with the plants surround the main hall.

Another key destination is Takahata-Fudo Temple. It has a famous pagoda and a hillside path where 88 jizo statues are nestled amongst a sea of hydrangeas. You can do the famous Shikoku pilgrimage in Tokyo! Not really, but symbolically.

Myohyoji hydrangeas in front of Japanese graves

Final thoughts

Myohoji Temple is an excellent destination for hydrangeas, offering a serene experience without the crowds of Meiji Shrine or Sensoji. It’s a beautiful temple, rich with history, which you can explore further in my complete guide here.

Date of photos:  24 June 2022

Photo gear for this shoot

  • Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
  • Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

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