Breathtaking Scenery That Even Locals Admire: Japan’s Top Five Spring Spectacles

When traveling to Japan, besides shopping, admiring stunning scenery is also an unmissable experience. In spring and summer, you can enjoy not only delicate cherry blossoms but also fields of rapeseed flowers, cosmos, and azaleas. In addition, there are unique heritage tours and breathtaking natural landscapes — all must-do experiences during this season.

1. Fukuoka – Nokonoshima Rainbow Cosmos
Nokonoshima is an island floating in Hakata Bay. Though small in size, it offers views of Fukuoka City. The island’s park showcases vibrant seasonal flower seas, with rapeseed flowers, azaleas, rainbow cosmos, and poppies blooming from April to May, creating a spectacular sight.

Address: 457-7 Noko, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Round-trip ferry fare: Adults 230 yen
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 17:30, Sunday & public holidays 09:00 - 18:30

2. Kyoto – Longevity Shrine Azaleas
Kyoto’s Longevity Shrine is home to some of Japan’s most remarkable azalea trees, particularly the obtusum azaleas that are around 150 years old. From mid-April to early May, these trees burst into fiery red blooms, painting the historic shrine grounds in vivid crimson. Around 2,000 peony flowers bloom alongside the azaleas, creating an enchantingly gorgeous scene.

Address: 2-15-13 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: Shrine office business hours 9:00 - 18:00 (April to September), 9:00 - 17:00 (October to March)