Japanese Azaleas Start to Bloom as Cherry Blossoms Bid Goodbye

As cherry blossom season begins to wind down, don’t worry, floral enthusiasts – Japanese azaleas are here to keep the blooms alive! While not as famous as sakura (cherry blossoms), azaleas are equally stunning and often underrated. These vibrant flowering shrubs are typically divided into two main types: Satsuki and Tsutsuji. In 2024, azaleas begin to bloom between May and early June across Japan, offering a colourful alternative to the sakura season. If you’re looking for the best spots to enjoy these beautiful blooms, here are the top three places in Japan where you can experience the magic of azaleas as cherry blossoms bid goodbye.

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Nezu Shrine

Image Credit: Bunkyo City

The historic Nezu Shrine has seen gorgeous azaleas, including those of rare varieties, blooming over and over again for more than 300 years. Other than basking in the floral atmosphere, visitors can also explore the many stalls that are set up as part of the Bunkyo Azalea Festival, which falls from April 11 to May 6.

Address: 1-28-9 Nedu, Bunkyo-ku, Nedujinja Shrine

Kurume Forest Azalea Park

Image Credit: gtknj

The flower of Kurume City is the Kurume azalea, and this city has a huge nature park housing some 61,000 azalea trees of various kinds. This is the place to go for an overdose of azaleas. Head to the southwest corner of Kurume Forest Azalea Park, up the Hiundai Hill, for magnificent views of the Tsukushi Plain and don’t forget to visit the famous stone monument which has been inscribed with a poem by writer Natsume Soseki.

Address: 299-354 Mii-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka

Nasu Kogen Highlands

Image Credit: yokoso-japan

Put on your best walking shoes and escape to the flowery paradise of Nasu Kogen highlands, which has plenty of walking trails with spectacular views. Colonies of azaleas can be found in this area. If you’re up for it, take a 45-minute hike to the summit of Mount Nasudake and then wind down by visiting one of the many hot spring baths in the area.

Address: Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi

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