From mid-April to early May, azaleas come into bloom across Fukuoka. Planted in clusters along the slopes of parks and temple grounds, they create broad, layered displays that can be enjoyed even within easy reach of the city.
Designated as Fukuoka Prefecture’s official tree, azaleas are especially diverse in this region, with many varieties found around Kurume, one of Japan’s key cultivation centers. This guide highlights major viewing spots in and around the city, along with typical bloom periods and key access points.
What Defines Azaleas in Fukuoka
Many sites make use of natural slopes, where azaleas are planted in tiers, forming cascading bands of color. In addition to flat parkland displays, locations such as castle ruins and hillside temples offer more three-dimensional scenery shaped by the surrounding terrain. Most spots are easily accessible from central Fukuoka, making it possible to visit multiple locations in a half-day or day trip.
Best Viewing Period
Mid-April to early May (varies slightly by year). Warmer seasons tend to bring earlier blooms.
• City areas: slightly earlier (mid to late April)
• Mountain areas: later (late April to early May)
▷Fukuoka Azalea Guide 2026 Google Map
Azalea Viewing Spots in Fukuoka and Nearby Areas
Maizuru Park | Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Nokonoshima Island Park | Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City
Nishi Park | Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Ohori Park Japanese Garden | Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Higashi Park | Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Ukidake Kohkaen | Itoshima City
Kurume Forest Azalea Park | Kurume City
Kurume-shi Azalea Center | Kurume City
Kurume Hyakunen Park | Kurume City
Sarayama Park | Kasuya-gun
Hofukujiyama Azalea Park | Buzen City
Chinkokuji Temple | Munakata City
Daikozenji Temple | Kiyama, Saga Prefecture
Mifuneyama Rakuen | Takeo, Saga Prefecture
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, Genkai Azalea
• Approx: 3,800 plants
• Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• Access: 8 min. on foot from Akasaka Subway Sta.
https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/
https://www.instagram.com/maidurupark/
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. ~ early May.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea
• Approx: 5,000 plants
• Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• 9:00~17:30 (Sun & hol: ~18:30)
• Admission Fee: ¥1,500, ES & JHS ¥800, over 3 y.o. ¥500, international students ¥1,000
• 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.)
https://nokonoshima.com/
https://x.com/w2yh7w9nlzee2qs
Nishi Park
Located on a hillside overlooking Hakata Bay, this park features azaleas centered around its “Azalea Valley.” The blooms extend along the slopes beside walking paths, allowing visitors to enjoy both the floral displays and views from higher ground. Parts of the park are currently undergoing renovation, and access or walking routes may be restricted.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, Kerama Azalea etc.
• Approx: 780 plants
• 13 Nishi-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Ohori Park Subway Sta. or 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Ohori Koen” bus stop.
• Parking: Available (free, 64 spaces)
https://www.nishikouen.jp/
Japanese Garden in Ohori Park
Located within Ohori Park, this Japanese garden is designed as a stroll garden centered around a pond. Azaleas are planted along the water’s edge, where they can be enjoyed in combination with the pond and carefully arranged stone features. Its proximity to Nishi Park and Maizuru Park makes it easy to visit multiple spots in one trip. In the evening, the garden is illuminated during the “SORA” event, offering a different atmosphere after dark.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: Satsuki Azalea, Hirado Azalea etc.
• 1-7 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Admission Fee: ¥250, under 15 y.o. ¥120, free for under 6 y.o. and over 65 y.o.
• 9:00〜17:00 (Apr.), 9:00~18:00 (May ~ Sep.)
• Closed: Mon (if Mon is a holiday, close the next day)
• 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: 400~500 plants
• 5 Higashi-koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• Access: 2 min. on foot from JR Yoshizuka Sta., 2 min. on foot Maidashi-Kyudai byoinmae
https://2023.higashikoen.net/flower_map/
Itoshima City
Ukidake Kohkajuen
Developed as part of a mountain conservation effort, this azalea garden is open to the public during the blooming season. A variety of azaleas from across Japan, including a 400-year-old Honkirishima azalea, are planted in clusters along the slopes. From the observation area at the top, visitors can take in views over the garden alongside Itoshima’s sea and surrounding mountains.
• Season: Mid-Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Hon Kirishima Azalea, Kurume Azalea, Mitsuba Azalea, Renge Azalea, Yodogawa Azalea etc.
• Approx: 5,000 plants
• 737 Nijo-yoshii, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Admission Fee: ¥600, child ¥300
• Open: 4/10 (Fri) ~ 5/5 (Mon, hol)
• 8:30~17:00 (last entry: 16:30)
• Access: 8 min. by car from JR Chikuhi Line Fukuyoshi Sta.
• Parking: Available (free, over 100 spaces)
https://www.tsutsuji-matsuri.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/itoshima.tsutsuji/
Kurume City
Kurume Forest Azalea Park
Located along the Mino Skyline near the summit of Mt. Kora, this site is known for its azalea displays. The flowers are planted in clusters across the slopes, creating a wide expanse of color during peak bloom. Visitors can enjoy the blooms alongside sweeping views over the Chikugo Plain.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: 100 kinds (Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea etc.)
• Approx: 61,000 plants
• 299-354 Mii-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• Access: 20 min. by car from Kurume IC (Kyushu Expressway)
• Parking: Available (free, 70 spaces)
https://welcome-kurume.com/
Kurume-shi Azalea Center
This facility is dedicated to the preservation and cultivation of azalea varieties, including Kurume azaleas, and holds one of the largest collections in Japan. Azaleas from around the world, along with original cultivars, are gathered here and can be viewed in clusters during the blooming season. The garden is typically open to the public during the flowering period in April (scheduled for 4/10 ~ 4/26).
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr. (Opening period for public: 4/10 ~ 4/26)
• Types of Azaleas: 1,000 kinds (Kurume Azalea, Azaleas from world, Original Azaleas etc.)
• Approx: 10,000 plants
• 1875-1 Minou, Yamamoto-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Sat, Sun, and hol (open everyday during 4/10 ~ 4/26), 12/29 ~ 1/3
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Kyudai Main Line Zendoji Sta. or 10 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Yamamoto” bus stop
• Parking: Available (free, 163 spaces)
https://www.sekai-tsutsuji.center/
69th Azalea Festival: 4/3 (Fri) ~ 4/19 (Sun)
Venue: Kurume Ryokka Center
Kurume Hyakunen Park
Located next to the Chikugo River, this park features open lawn areas and a dedicated azalea garden. Around 120,000 azaleas are planted here, creating a wide floral display during peak bloom. The flat layout makes it easy to walk through the park and take in the scenery.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Yae-Kirishima Azalea etc.
• Approx: 124,000 plants
• 2432-1 Hyakunen-koen, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• Access: Nishitetsu “Hyakunen Park” bus stop
• Parking: Available (free, 156 spaces, 7:00~22:00)
https://kurumekoen.org/zaidan/tsutsuji_spot/
Kasuya-gun
Sarayama Park
Located at the foot of Mt. Wakasugi, this park features azaleas planted across its slopes. During peak bloom, the flowers spread across a wide area, and from higher grounds within the park, panoramic views of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay can be seen below. Seasonal flowers such as plum blossoms, irises, and hydrangeas can also be enjoyed throughout the year.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ late Apr.
• Approx: 30,000 plants
• 21-3 Kamisue, Sue-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka (park map)
• Free entry
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Rojin Home-mae” bus stop
• Parking: Available (free, 100 spaces, 7:00~19:00)
https://www.town.sue.fukuoka.jp
Buzen City
Houfukujiyama Azalea Park
Located in the Keichiku area, this park is known for its azalea displays, with clustered plantings spread across a 7,000-square-meter site. During peak bloom, the flowers extend along the slope, and can be enjoyed while walking through the grounds. During the azalea festival period, bonbori lanterns are set up in line with the blooms.
• Season: Late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Yodogawa Azalea, Kirishima Azalea etc.
• Approx: 3,000 plants
• 1105-1 Hachiya, Buzen City, Fukuoka
• Free entry
• Access: 18 min. on foot from JR Unoshima Sta.
https://buzen-kk.jp/flower/002-tutuji/
Azalea Festival: 4/21 (Tue) ~ 5/6 (Wed)
Munakata City
Chinkokuji Temple
Located in Munakata, this temple features seasonal flowers throughout the year. Azaleas are planted in clusters along the western slope of the grounds, creating a broad display of color during peak bloom. In mid-April, bright pink double-flowered cherry blossoms bloom at the same time, offering a different scene depending on the timing of your visit.
• Season: Early Apr. ~ mid-Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, Mitsuba Azalea
• Approx: 20,000 plants
• 966 Yoshida, Munakata City, Fukuoka (shrine map)
• Free entry
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Nishitetsu “Munakata Taisha-mae”.
• Parking: Available (free, 140 spaces)
https://chinkokuji.or.jp/
Saga Prefecture
Daikouzenji Temple
Known as the “Azalea Temple,” this site features a hillside botanical garden called Chigiri-en, located behind the main hall. Azaleas are planted across the slope, and during peak bloom, the area fills with color, drawing large numbers of visitors. The season also coincides with fresh green maple leaves, which can be enjoyed while walking through the temple grounds.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ early May
• Types of Azaleas: 30 kinds (Hirado Azalea, Kurume Azalea etc.)
• Approx: 50,000 plants
• 3628 Sonobe, Kiyama-cho, Miyaki-gun, Saga
• Chigiri Garden: ¥600, ES & JHS ¥300
• 8:30~18:00
• Access: 15 min. by car from Chikushino IC (Kyushu Expressway),
*4/18, 4/19, 4/25, 4/26, 4/29, 5/2, 5/3: A temporary Nishitetsu bus (one-way ¥250) runs from JR Kiyama Sta.
• Parking: ¥300 (700 spaces) *only during the tourism season mid-Apr. to early May
https://daikouzenji.com/
Mifuneyama Rakuen
Set against the backdrop of Mt. Mifune, this landscaped garden features an “Azalea Valley” that spreads across a bowl-shaped terrain. During peak bloom, the valley is densely covered with azaleas, creating a striking scene when viewed from elevated grounds. As you follow the walking paths, the perspective shifts, revealing different views at each turn.
• Season: Mid-Apr. ~ Late Apr.
• Types of Azaleas: Kurume Azalea, Hirado Azalea, Yodogawa Azalea etc.
• Approx: 200,000 plants
• 4100 Takeo, Takeo-cho, Takeo City, Saga
• Admission Fee (during the Flower Festival from 4/6 ~ 5/6): ¥700, ES ¥450
• Hours during the Flower Festival: 8:00~18:30
• Access: 5 min. by car from JR Takeo-Onsen Sta.
https://www.mifuneyamarakuen.jp/
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there is a possibility of error and facility details may change. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact Fukuoka Now. This report was last updated in April of 2026.
Originally written in 2021, updated in Apr. 2026.
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