A Journey into Shimoda Park's Hydrangea Kaleidoscope

Located on a small hill near Shimoda Port, the historic Shimoda Castle was the base of the Southern Izu naval forces of the Hojo clan from Odawara, built to defend against Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the late Sengoku period. Shimoda Castle, the largest mountain castle on the Izu Peninsula, overlooks Shimoda Port and the town, and the castle ruins are located within Shimoda Park. Renowned as Japan's finest, Shimoda Park boasts over 150,000 hydrangea plants with more than 300 blooms and over 100 varieties. Despite the continuous rainy weather, the hydrangeas do not lose their color. Stretching out, the hydrangeas create a kaleidoscopic view within Shimoda Park. Along the flower viewing path, one can gaze at the town of Shimoda from afar, occasionally exclaiming in delight at the sight of rare hydrangea species. Stepping into the hydrangea clusters, one is surrounded 360 degrees by the flowers, weaving through the hydrangea groups that grow along the slope.