Welcome to Kamakura Ajisai Doukoukai (Japanese Wild Hydrangea Lovers) About Us Founded in 2000 in Kamakura, Japan, the Kamakura Ajisai Doukoukai is a community of enthusiasts dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of Japanese native hydrangeas, specifically the Yama-ajisai (Hydrangea serrata). Our mission is to share the unique charm of these native species with a wider audience.
Our Activities
Annual Exhibition: Every May, we host the "Japanese Wild Hydrangea Exhibition" at the Hibiya Kadan Ohfuna Flower Center in Kamakura. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of potted plants and unique displays like koke-dama (moss balls) and hana-chozu (flower basins). Education & Seedling Distribution: To encourage the cultivation of wild hydrangeas, we provide seedling distribution and host free mini-workshops on growing techniques during our events. Community & Preservation: We actively participate in local projects, such as planting native hydrangeas at historic sites like Engaku-ji Temple's Ryuin-an. Our dedication to maintaining these plants is supported in part by the NPO Support Kamakura Fund. The Kawashima Index: Our members maintain the "Kawashima Index," an extensive online hydrangea encyclopedia featuring photos and detailed descriptions of numerous varieties.
Connect With Us We share cultivation guides and the latest blooming updates across various digital platforms:
YouTube: Watch variety introductions and "how-to" videos for growing Yama-ajisai. Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), GreanSnap,and TikTok for event announcements and beautiful floral photography.
The Kawashima Index (Japanese Only): A Comprehensive Digital Hydrangea Encyclopedia Overview The Kawashima Index is a premier online encyclopedia specifically dedicated to the study and appreciation of hydrangeas, with a focus on Japanese wild species (Yama-ajisai,Hydrangea serrata). It serves as an invaluable resource for both casual enthusiasts and serious collectors seeking to identify and understand the vast diversity of these plants. Expert Curation The index is meticulously edited and maintained by Mr. Kobayashi, an expert member of the Kamakura Ajisai Doukoukai. He provides his expertise by compiling high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions for numerous varieties, ensuring that each entry is both informative and visually helpful for identification. A Living Resource To reflect the discovery of new varieties and updated cultivation knowledge, the Kawashima Index is regularly updated. The most recent major update was completed in June 2025, keeping it at the forefront of hydrangea documentation in Japan.
Key Features:
Extensive Database: A wide-ranging collection of hydrangea varieties with a focus on native Japanese species. Visual Guide: Features detailed imagery to help users distinguish between subtle differences in variety. Educational Support: Provides essential data for those participating in our annual exhibitions and workshops.
