By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
Every year in late spring during April and May, after Japan’s cherry blossom season ends, colorful and vibrant azalea bushes burst into bloom. White, pink, purple, red – these blossoms flourish alongside cherry blossoms as an essential springtime flower sea spectacle. Many of Japan’s azalea viewing spots are located at ancient temples, adding a romantic charm to these historic sites.
Tokyo Nezu Shrine’s Bunkyo Azalea Festival kicks off in early April (Photo/ameblo)
1. Tokyo – Nezu Shrine
Located in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, Nezu Shrine boasts a history of over 300 years. From April to May, up to 3,000 azalea bushes burst into lively bloom. The historic shrine, paired with vast sweeps of colorful blossoms, adds a unique vibrancy to Tokyo in spring. This year’s Bunkyo Azalea Festival runs from April 7 to May 6.
Address: 28-9 Nezu 1-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Blooming season: April 7 to May 6, 2018
The deep red torii gate looks even more beautiful surrounded by vivid azaleas (Photo/trendcatch)
2. Nagasaki Prefecture – Nitta Ridge
Located in the center of Shimabara Peninsula on Nagasaki Island, Unzen is Japan’s first geopark and scenic destination. The azalea is the flower that symbolizes Unzen’s spring, and among them, Nitta Ridge at an altitude of 1,080 meters is the most famous. From mid to late May each year, about 2 million Unzen azaleas burst into gorgeous bloom, covering the entire Shimabara Peninsula.
Location: 551 Unzen, Yunohama, Unzen Town, Unzen-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture
Unzen Ropeway:
April to October: 08:31 – 17:23 (last ascent at 17:03)
November to March: 08:31 – 17:11 (last ascent at 16:51)
Nitta Ridge Azalea (Photo/photoAC)
Unzen Azalea (Photo/Nagasaki Culture & Light)
3. Saga Prefecture – Daikoshin Temple
Daikoshin Temple, which has a history of 1,300 years, is located at the foot of Mount Kiyama in Saga. The temple is most famous for its Azalea Festival held annually from mid-April to early May. Within its 75,000-square-meter garden, 50,000 brilliant azaleas bloom in dazzling colors, creating a stunningly beautiful floral wonderland.
Address: 3628 Sonobe, Kiyama-cho, Miyaki-gun, Saga Prefecture
Hours: 8:30 until sunset; extended to 20:00 during maple leaf season with lighting
Fee: Regular hours – adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen; during April and May azalea season and November and December maple leaf season – adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high students 300 yen
Daikoshin Temple Azalea (Photo/Saga Culture & Light Alliance)
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