On the evening of June 9, prior to the hydrangea garden light-up event starting June 11, an illumination test was held at Mimurotoji Temple in Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Purple and pink flowers emerged from darkness. They will be at their best around mid to late June.

Approximately 10,000 hydrangea bushes of 30 varieties, including Oakleaf and common hydrangeas, are planted in the temple's hydrangea garden. Due to the low temperature continuing from early spring, hydrangeas started blooming early this month, about a week later than in usual years.

The illumination test started at 7:00p.m., and the colors and hues became deeper as light shone on them in the deepening darkness.

The illumination will be from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. on Saturday and Sunday every week until June 26, with temple entrance allowed until 8:30p.m. The hydrangea garden will be open until July 10. There is a 500 yen admission fee.