Each and every flower in Japan represents something special. No matter the season, the time of the year or the prefecture in Japan, you seem to be able to find different flowers at every turn. Azaleas in Japan are so gorgeous and there are beautiful spots around the country to find these seasonal flowers. To help you experience Japanese azaleas to the fullest, let’s have a look at azaleas in Japan, and when and where to see azaleas. 

Find out all about the different flowers in Japan you can enjoy throughout the year here. Check out what, when and where to see these flowers here: Cherry Blossoms, Tulips, Azaleas, Roses, Poppies, Salvia, Hydrangea, Iris, Lavender, Indian Lotus, Sunflowers, Ume and Moss phlox.

What is Azalea in Japan?  

Azaleas are flowering shrubs belonging to the Rhododendron genus, namely the Tsutsuji and Pentanthera sections. Azaleas bloom in the spring (April and May in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, and October and November in the temperate Southern Hemisphere), and their blossoms can linger for weeks. They prefer to live close or beneath trees because they are shade tolerant. They belong to the Ericaceae family.

When to see Azaleas in Japan? 

The best time to see tulips in Japan depends on the location and the exact area, but generally, you can see azaleas in Japan around early April to early May. 

Where to see Azaleas in Japan

Shiofune Kannonji Azalea Festival- Shiofune Kannonji Temple

Also known as the “Temple of Flowers and History,” “Shiofune Kannonji” is a place where various flowers are coloured each season. About 20 varieties and 20,000 azaleas are planted in the park, and the annual “Azalea Festival” is held from mid-April to early May when it is in full bloom. The lustrous and lovely sight of the round and beautifully cut pink, red, pink, and white azaleas that fill the precincts is spectacular. There is also a passage where you can take a walk around the flowers up close.  The time of blooming varies depending on the variety, and you can enjoy various colours during the period. Around Golden Week, most types and numbers of azaleas, such as Kirishima azaleas and Kurume azaleas, will be in full bloom.

Best time to see: Mid-April to early May 2022

Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) 

According to Japanese legend, a prince called Yamatotakeru founded the Nezu Shrine around 1,900 years ago. It’s famous for its 300-year-old azalea garden, which covers 6,600 square metres and contains 3,000 azalea plants from 100 distinct species. Rare variants include fuji-tsutsuji (which has tiny bean-size flowers), hanaguruma (which has pinwheel-like flowers), and Karafune (which has pinwheel-like flowers) (black azaleas). In addition to the flowers, there will be a plant market and a unique display of artworks commemorating the Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry. At 12:00 and 14:00, special 20-minute viewings of these paintings will be held. Seven of the shrine’s structures have been classified as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, including the main hall.

Best time to see: April to May

Sorakuen Azalea Yuzan

Sorakuen, where about 4000 azaleas bloom from late April to early May. You can admire the colourfully blooming azaleas such as white and pink. Concerts and sales of Japanese sweets will be held during the period. During the period, the important cultural property “Old Hassam House” will be open to the public, the exterior of “Funayagata” will be open to the public (April 23rd and 24th), and the spring wild grass exhibition (April 29th to May 5th). Various events will be held, such as a tea ceremony at the Hassam House (May 1, 5, and 8).

Best time to see:  April 23 (Sat) -May 8 (Sun), 2022

The 51st Kasama Tsutsuji Festival

The Kasama Azalea Festival is the 51st time this year, starting with the citizens’ azalea one-stock movement in 1967. Approximately 8,500 azaleas of various types such as Kirishima and sunrise are planted in the vast garden at an altitude of 143 metres and about 7 hectares, and during Golden Week, which is in full bloom every year, small mountains are beautifully coloured with red and pink flowers.  During the period, “Tree Climbing Trial Version” will be held from May 3 (Tuesday / holiday) to May 5 (Thursday / holiday), April 23 (Sat) and April 30 (Sat). , “Kasama Chadokai Tea Ceremony” on May 7th (Sat), April 29th (Friday / holiday), and May 1st (Sun) “Performance of local performing arts.”

Best time to see:  April 16th (Sat) -May 8th (Sun), 2022

Mizugo Omigawa Sakura Azalea Festival

Omigawajoyama Park is known as the best cherry blossom viewing spot in the north, with 1,000 cherry trees such as Yoshino cherry trees and 4,000 azaleas blooming all over the mountain. The area around the Shiroyama Park Information Center and the area around Akahashi are lit up in Bomboli, and you can enjoy the fantastic night of cherry blossoms.

Best time to see:  March 22nd (Tuesday) -May 8th (Sunday), 2022

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What do you think about these flowers in Japan? There are so many different colours, shapes, types, and sizes of flowers, no matter which season you decide to visit Japan, you will sure to be able to find gorgeous Japanese flowers to enjoy! 

Find out all about the different flowers in Japan you can enjoy throughout the year here. Check out what, when and where to see these flowers here: Cherry Blossoms, Tulips, Azaleas, Roses, Poppies, Salvia, Hydrangea, Iris, Lavender, Indian Lotus, Sunflowers, Ume and Moss phlox.