After the cherry blossoms reach their peak, another favorite flower takes center stage: azalea.
These azalea blooms are currently in their full glory, painting landscapes with vivid colors across Japan. Many places in the country cultivate azaleas, and dedicated festivals attract crowds of visitors.
1. Esan Azalea Festival (Hakodate, Hokkaido)
Mount Esan, an active volcano east of Hakodate, rises 618 m high. Around 600,000 azalea plants cover the slopes beneath, in Esan Azalea Park. They flower from mid-May to early June. Visitors can stroll along paths that wind through dazzling pink and white blossoms.
The Esan Azalea Festival is typically held from mid- to late May at Esan Azalea Park and surrounding areas.
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2. Muroneyama Azalea Festival (Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture)
At Mount Murone (895 m), the festival offers sweeping 360° views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding peaks. Azaleas bloom in late May through mid June. The annual Muroneyama Festival concludes in late May, with local food stands and performances accompanying the floral displays.
3. Kasama Azalea Festival (Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Kasama city, near Ibaraki’s borders with Tochigi, is known for its pottery—and one of its charms is the Kasama Azalea Park, spanning about 7 hectares and home to around 8,500 azalea bushes. The festival runs from mid April to early May.
4. Tsutsujigaoka Azalea Festival (Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture)
Tsutsujigaoka Park in Tatebayashi is famous for wild azaleas growing on its hills. Since 1934 the park has been designated a “scenic site” under the name “Tsutsugaoka.” The festival is usually held from early April to early May.
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5. Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo)
Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo is a popular azalea viewing spot in Tokyo. Approximately 3,000 azalea trees of about 100 different species bloom here, typically from early to late April. The variety in color and form makes this a vivid, atmospheric garden walk.
6. Sabae Azalea Festival (Sabae, Fukui Prefecture)
In Nishiyama Park near Sabae’s city hall, azaleas were planted starting in the Edo period, and today about 50,000 bushes bloom annually. The Sabae Festival occurs during Golden Week (early May) and draws up to 200,000 visitors with stage shows, food stalls, and local culture.
7. Komuroyama Azalea Festival (Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Mount Komuro is a modest 321 m peak in Ito, formed from ancient volcanic flow. Below its slopes lies an azalea garden of about 100,000 plants spanning 40 varieties. From mid April to April’s end, visitors enjoy colorful flowers framed by a distant view of Mount Fuji — a picturesque scene of red, pink, and white blossoms against a blue sky.
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8. Misumi Azalea Festival (Hamada, Shimane Prefecture)
Azaleas are strongly associated with Hamada, and the Misumi Park is one of the region’s best-known locations for them. Roughly 50,000 azalea plants bloom across the site during early May, especially during the Golden Week holidays.
9. Daikozenji Azalea Festival (Kiyama, Saga Prefecture)
Daikozenji Temple lies on Saga’s eastern edge, close to Fukuoka. Each spring (April–May), about 50,000 azalea bushes bloom around the temple grounds, sometimes referred to locally as “Atsuji Temple.” The festival usually begins in early April and continues into May.
10. Nagukushiyama Azalea Festival (Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Coastal Sasebo hosts Nagukushiyama Park, home to roughly 100,000 azalea plants. In April, the “sea of flowers” beautifully contrasts with views of the Kujukushima islands beyond.
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For travelers visiting Japan in spring, azalea season offers another chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes beyond the famous cherry blossoms. With festivals held across regions, from mountain slopes to temple gardens, these vibrant flowers provide a colorful backdrop for cultural experiences and leisurely walks alike.
