Photo= Visitors enjoying the brilliant blue hydrangeas (Mimurotoji Temple, Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Approximately 10,000 hydrangeas are in full bloom throughout the temple precincts at Mimurotoji Temple in Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Numerous worshippers have visited the temple to enjoy viewing the colorful flowers under the overcast sky of the rainy season.

Approximately 30 varieties of hydrangeas, including Hortensia, Lacecap hydrangea and Oakleaf hydrangea, have been planted in the temple precincts' gardens. The colorful flowers in blue, purple and pink are opening among the cedar trees, and are at about 70 percent of full bloom now.

The annual hydrangea illumination began on the evening of June 14. On the evening of June 12, an illumination test was held with the hydrangeas emerging fantastically from the darkness as they were lit up with 100 lights.

The hydrangea garden is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until July 13, with visitors allowed to enter until 4:00 p.m. The illumination is held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday every week until June 29. Visitors are allowed to enter until 8:30 p.m. There is an admission fee.