【異変】「本当にがっかり」見ごろのアジサイがほぼ全滅　茎がチョッキリ…意外な犯人は？京都・三千院

An unusual situation has occurred at Sanzen-in Temple in Kyoto City, a famous spot for hydrangeas, prompting the temple to issue an apology. Who is the "culprit" behind this strange phenomenon affecting the hydrangeas? Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto, is a renowned temple with a history spanning 1200 years. Report by Raiga Abe, Reporter "Sanzen-in is famous for its beautiful garden, often called the 'Jewel Box of the Orient,' but something unusual is happening in that garden." While the temple grounds contain national treasures, it is the garden itself that continues to captivate visitors. The garden, where one can enjoy the changing seasons—from fresh greenery and autumn leaves to snowscapes—has charmed people for hundreds of years. In particular, the hydrangeas, which are usually in full bloom around this time of year, fill the grounds with a riot of colors, delighting many visitors. However, this year, "something unusual" has occurred. Sanzen-in Temple, Hiroto Sonobe "This is the 'Hydrangea Garden' you can see here, but almost none of them are in bloom." The hydrangeas, which should be in full bloom, are almost completely gone. One might think the flowers have withered, but... Sanzen-in Temple, Hiroto Sonobe "The stems have been snipped." Upon closer inspection, it appears the entire flower has disappeared. The cuts themselves were made by the temple after the damage occurred, but most of the plants were affected, leaving no flowers. Sanzen-in Temple is scheduled to hold its "Hydrangea Festival" for one month starting tomorrow (the 13th), but Kyoto Bus has had to abruptly cancel its temporary bus service. A visitor "We were just talking about how 'they're not blooming.'" "We came because we heard the 'Hydrangea Garden' was beautiful, but it's a bit disappointing. Really disappointing." Who could have knocked the flowers off...? When we inquired at the temple, we discovered a surprising "culprit"… Hiroto Sonobe, Sanzen-in Temple: "This is a type of weevil called the 'hydrangea weevil.' It particularly likes hydrangeas and snips them like this." According to the gardener at Sanzen-in Temple, the damage is believed to be caused by the 'white-banded red-legged long-legged weevil,' also known as the 'hydrangea weevil.' It cuts off the flowers and buds above the stem when laying its eggs. While there have been previous instances of damage, this is the first time the plants have been nearly wiped out, and the cause is unknown. Hiroto Sonobe, Sanzen-in Temple: "It's about the greatness of nature; the trees are alive, and so are the insects. Even the weevils are probably just trying to survive. Instead of dwelling on what happened, I want to express my gratitude once again to the hydrangeas that bloom so beautifully every year. Next year, I'll put in even more effort than usual to make the 'Hydrangea Festival' an event that everyone will think is 'even more amazing than usual.' Those are my thoughts right now." The "Hydrangea Festival" itself will be held as planned, including charity events. ▼Featured videos, in-depth explanations, and the latest news delivered daily Subscribe here:    / @ytv_news   ▼Yomiuri TV News https://www.ytv.co.jp/press/ ▼Kansai Information Net ten. X (Former Twitter)   / ytvnewsten   Website: https://www.ytv.co.jp/ten/ Instagram:   / ytv.ten   Facebook:   / ytvten   ▼Information Live Miyaneya https://www.ytv.co.jp/miyaneya/ ▼News Zigzag X (Former Twitter) https://x.com/ytvzigzag Website: https://www.ytv.co.jp/zigzag/ ▼Teppan Asa Live Juutto! Website: https://www.ytv.co.jp/juutto/ X (former Twitter): @ytv_juutto https://x.com/ytv_juutto LINE: https://lin.ee/hWfyWs2 Instagram: @ytv_juutto   / ytv_juutto   TikTok:   / ytv_juutto   ▼Yomiuri Television News Department's Social Media TikTok:   / ytvnews   X (former Twitter):   / news_ytv   ▼Submit Information Here: "Submission Box" https://www.ytv.co.jp/toukou_box/