From April to May, the low-lying azaleas of Fukuoka burst into a vivid display of red, pink, and white blooms. Revered as the prefectural tree, these azaleas are steeped in history, gracing both the ancient verses of Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Manyoshu, and the modern landscapes of gardens and city streets nationwide. Their widespread appeal dates back to the Edo period when azalea cultivation and selective breeding, using native species from Kyushu, became a popular pastime among the populace, giving rise to over 2,000 varieties known today.
Among these, the most quintessential types, such as the Kirishima azalea (Kirishima Tsutsuji), developed from wild azaleas native to Kagoshima’s Kirishima region, and the Kurume azalea (Kurume Tsutsuji) originating from Kurume, are celebrated for their smaller, brightly colored blooms that captivate onlookers.
In Fukuoka, the azalea season is in full swing, with peak blooms from mid-April through the Golden Week, offering a perfect palette of color that transforms the local landscape into a spectacular floral spectacle. This season, immerse yourself in the beauty of these cherished blooms—a cornerstone of local heritage and natural beauty.
Azalea viewing spots in Fukuoka and its suburbs
• Fukuoka City (Maizuru Park | Nokonoshima Island Park | Nishi Park | Japanese Garden in Ohori Park | Higashi Park)
• Kasuya-gun (Sarayama Park)
• Itoshima City (Ukidake Kohkajuen)
• Buzen City (Houfukujiyama Azalea Park)
• Kurume City (Kurume Forest Azalea Park | Kurume-shi Azalea Center | Kurume Hyakunen Park)
• Munakata City (Chinkokuji Temple)
• Saga Prefecture (Daikouzenji Temple | Mifuneyama Rakuen)
Fukuoka City
Maizuru Park
At Maizuru Park, where flowers bloom in each of the four seasons, azaleas come into full bloom from mid-April in various locations throughout the park, including the azalea garden. In the azalea garden, well-maintained azaleas taller than one’s height are in full bloom, creating a feeling as if walking through a wall of azaleas.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, Satsuki Azalea
• Approx: 3,800 plants
• Free entry
• Address: Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 8 min. on foot from Akasaka Subway Sta.
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/
Nokonoshima Island Park
The nature park features magnificent grounds and an array of seasonal flowers. In spring, the landscape is adorned with pink azaleas in full bloom, accompanied by bright blue nemophila, vibrant poppies and colorful tulips.
• Season: Early Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea
• Approx: 5,000 plants
• 9:00~17:30 (Sat., Sun., hol.: ~18:30)
• Admission Fee: ¥1,500, ES & JHS ¥800, over 3 y.o. ¥500, discount for international students (presentation of a certificate of study abroad or student ID is required)
• Address: Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Catch a ferry from Meinohama Passenger Terminal → after arriving at Nokonoshima ferry terminal, take the Nishitetsu bus bound for “Island Park” (about 13 min.)
• http://nokonoshima.com/en/
Nishi Park
In Nishi Park’s Azalea Valley, six types of azaleas are planted, including Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, and Kerama Azalea, which is unique to Okinawa and the Amami Islands, and can be admired while walking along the well-maintained promenade.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, Kerama Azalea, Dodan Azalea, Mochi Azalea, Yodogawa Azalea
• Approx: Over 780 plants
• Free entry
• Address: 13 Nishi-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (park map)
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Ohori Park Subway Sta. or 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Ohori Koen” bus stop.
• Parking: Free (64 spaces)
• https://www.nishikouen.jp/
Japanese Garden in Ohori Park
A park for citizens to relax, easily accessible from Tenjin. In Ohori Park’s Japanese garden, azaleas bloom around a beautifully landscaped small pond.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Admission Fee: ¥250, under 15 y.o. ¥120, free for under 6 y.o. and over 65 y.o.
• May ~ Sep.: 9:00~18:00 (last entry 17:45)
• Closed: Mon. (if Mon. is a holiday, close the next day)
• Address: 1-7 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Ohori Park Subway Sta. or 5 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Fukuoka Castle Ruins and NHK Broadcasting Center” bus stop.
• https://www.ohoriteien.jp/
Higashi Park
This expansive Japanese-style park covers approximately 70,000 square meters and offers a serene escape where visitors can appreciate a variety of seasonal flowers. At the center of the park is a prominent statue of Emperor Kameyama, known for his peaceful entreaties during the Mongol invasions, symbolized by his famous inscription “敵国降伏” (Surrender of the Enemy Nation) which he presented to Hakozaki Shrine. This statue is encircled by vibrant azaleas, making it a focal point of natural beauty and historical reverence. The park is equipped with lush lawns, a well-maintained running path, and a duck pond, all inviting visitors to relax and explore at their leisure.
• Season: Late Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Tsutsuji, Hirado Tsutsuji, Dodan Tsutsuji
• Approx: Several thousands
• Free entry
• Address: 5 Higashi-koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 2 min. on foot from JR Yoshizuka Sta., 2 min. on foot Maidashi-Kyudai byoinmae
• https://2023.higashikoen.net/flower_map/
Kasuya-gun
Sarayama Park
Sarayama Park, one of the best-known azalea viewing spots in Fukuoka, is located at the foot of Mt. Wakasugi. A panoramic view of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay spreads out below, and plum blossoms, irises, and hydrangeas can be enjoyed every season. Flowering conditions are updated on the official website as needed.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Approx: 30,000 plants
• Free entry
• Address: 21-3 Kamisue, Sue-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka (park map)
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Rojin Home-mae” bus stop
• Parking: Free (100 spaces, 7:00~19:00)
• https://www.town.sue.fukuoka.jp/kanko_bunka_sports/kanko_tokusan/4572.html
Itoshima City
Ukidake Kohkajuen
Approximately 45 years ago, an azalea garden was established with the mission of preserving a rugged mountain, where azaleas from various regions were collected. This garden, which blossoms into vibrant life during the azalea blooming season, is open to the public exclusively during the “Azalea Festival.” At its heart is a 400-year-old Kirishima azalea, around which 5,000 azaleas flourish across a 3.3-hectare area. The garden showcases a curated selection of about 80 unique azalea species from across Japan, including those that are endangered. For a panoramic experience, an observation deck at the highest point allows visitors to view the sweeping landscapes of Itoshima’s sea and mountains, alongside the spectacular azaleas.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Hon Kirishima Azalea, Kurume Azalea, Mitsuba Azalea, Renge Azalea, Yodogawa Azalea etc.
• Approx: 5,000 plants
• Open: 4/6 (Sat.) ~ 5/5 (Sun., hol.) 9:00~17:00
• Admission Fee: ¥600, child ¥300
• Address: 737 Nijo-yoshii, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: 8 min. by car from JR Chikuhi Line Fukuyoshi Sta.
• Parking: Free (over 100 spaces)
• https://www.tsutsuji-matsuri.jp/en/
Buzen City
Houfukujiyama Azalea Park
Houfukujiyama Azalea Park is renowned as the top azalea viewing spot in the Keichiku area, which is reflected in the park’s name. Approximately 3,000 azaleas bloom across its 7,000 square meter grounds. During the Azalea Festival, lanterns are lit in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere. Updates on the blooming status are available on the official website.
• Season: Late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Yodogawa Azalea, Kirishima Azalea etc.
• Approx: 3,000 plants
• Azalea Festival: 4/20 (Sat.) ~ 5/6 (Mon., hol.)
• Free entry
• Address: 1105-1 Hachiya, Buzen City, Fukuoka
• Access: 18 min. on foot from JR Unoshima Sta.
• http://www.buzen-kk.jp/kaika_tutuji_houfukuji.html
Kurume City
Kurume Forest Azalea Park
Located at the top of Mt. Kora along the Mino Skyline that runs through the Mino Mountain Range, this is a beautiful and popular azalea viewing spot. The park was created to commemorate the selection of the azalea as the prefectural tree of Fukuoka Prefecture, and as many as 61,000 azalea plants are in bloom. The park is also famous for its view over the vast Chikugo Plain.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: 100 kinds (Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea etc.)
• Approx: 61,000 plants
• Free entry
• Address: 299-354 Mii-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. by car from Kurume IC (Kyushu Expressway)
• Parking: Free (90 spaces)
• https://bit.ly/3afy1rf
Kurume-shi Azalea Center
This facility was established to preserve and cultivate valuable azaleas collected at the World Azalea Festival held in 1989. The facility has 10,000 plants of 1,000 varieties, including the Kurume azalea, the pride of Kurume, azaleas from around the world, and original azalea varieties, making it the most extensive collection in Japan. The Wilson 50, a variety derived from Wilson, the plant hunter who introduced the Kurume azalea to the West, is also displayed. The garden is open to the public every year in mid-April when the azaleas are in full bloom, and during this period, the garden is open to visitors on weekends and holidays.
• Season: Mid-Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: 1,000 kinds (Kurume Azalea, Azaleas from world, Original Azaleas etc.)
• Approx: 10,000 plants
• Opening period for public: 4/6 (Sat.) ~ 4/26 (Fri.)
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Free entry
• Closed: Sat., Sun., hol. (open on weekends and holidays from Apr. 6 to 26.)
• Address: 1875-1 Minou, Yamamoto-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Kyudai Main Line Zendoji Sta. or 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Yamamoto” bus stop
• Parking: Free (163 spaces)
• http://www.sekai-tsutsuji.center/
Kurume Hyakunen Park
Located along the banks of the Chikugo River, this park was established to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kurume’s municipal organization. The park features a lawn area and an azalea garden. The azalea garden is home to around 120,000 azaleas, including the Yae-Kirishima azalea gifted by Tatebayashi City in Gunma, as well as ancient azalea trees from Wadomari Town in Kagoshima and Nagai City in Yamagata.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Yae-Kirishima Azalea etc.
• Approx: 124,000 plants
• Free entry
• Address: 2432-1 Hyakunen-koen, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: On foot from Nishitetsu “Hyakunen Park” bus stop
• Parking: Free (160 spaces, 7:00~22:00)
• https://kurumekoen.org/zaidan/tsutsuji_spot/
Munakata City
Chinkokuji Temple
Chinkokuji Temple, known as a temple of flowers and prayers, boasts seasonal blooms throughout the year. The western slope of the temple grounds is adorned with 20,000 Kurume azaleas, while Miyama and Hirado azaleas are planted across the premises. From mid-April, the double-flowered cherry blossoms reach their peak, creating a stunning blend of cherry blossoms and azaleas. The temple also houses a store, Ikkyuan, where visitors can take a break during their stroll (open from 10:00 to 16:00 and closed irregularly).
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, Mitsuba Azalea
• Approx: 20,000 plants
• Free entry
• Address: 966 Yoshida, Munakata City, Fukuoka (shrine map)
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Munakata Taisha-mae”.
• Parking: Free (140 spaces)
• http://chinkokuji.or.jp/
Saga Prefecture
Daikouzenji Temple
Often referred to as the “Azalea Temple,” this temple has a history spanning approximately 1,300 years. At the foot of Mt. Chigiri, situated behind the main hall, lies a mountain forest botanical garden called “Chigiri-en.” In spring, the garden attracts numerous visitors who come to admire the 50,000 azalea flowers and the fresh green foliage of the maple trees. The “Azalea Festival” takes place until early May, and a fee-based bus service runs every 30 minutes from the nearest station (JR Kiyama Station), with the first bus at 9:10 and the last bus at 16:40.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: 20 kinds (Hirado Azalea, Kurume Azalea etc.)
• Approx: 50,000 plants
• Chigiri Garden: ¥600, ES & JHS ¥300
• Open: 8:30~18:00 (Matcha cafe 9:00~17:00, restaurant: 10:00~16:00)
• Address: 3628 Sonobe, Kiyama-cho, Miyaki-gun, Saga
• Access: 15 min. by car from Chikushino IC (Kyushu Expressway),
*4/20 (Sat.), 4/21 (Sun.), 4/27 (Sat.) ~ 4/29 (Mon., hol.), 5/1 (Wed.): A temporary Nishitetsu bus (one-way ¥200) runs from JR Kiyama Sta. during the season.
• Parking: ¥300 (700 spaces) *only during the tourism season mid-Apr. to early May
• https://daikouzenji.com/
Mifuneyama Rakuen
The garden has a vast area of 500,000 square meters that has been in existence since the late Edo period. Against the backdrop of the rocky cliffs of Mt. Mifune, as many as 200,000 azaleas are in full bloom in the “azalea valley,” a mortar-shaped area. From the Hanami-dai (viewing platform) located at the end of the walking path surrounded by trees on the left side of Mt.
• Season: Early Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea
• Approx: 200,000 plants
• Admission Fee: ¥700, ES ¥300
• Open: 8:00~18:30
• Address: 4100 Takeo, Takeo-cho, Takeo City, Saga
• Access: 5 min. by car from JR Takeo-Onsen Sta.
• https://www.mifuneyamarakuen.jp/spring/
Originally written in April 2024.
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in April 2021.
