Panduan
Okuwabara Tsutsuji-en is a beautiful botanical garden located near the center of Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, designed to maximize the natural topography of the land. The most striking feature is the vast collection of over 50,000 plants, including azaleas, western rhododendrons, and peonies. The colorful panorama of flowers spreading across two gentle hills offers an overwhelming sense of beauty and provides deep relaxation to all visitors. Loved by locals and tourists from both Japan and abroad, it is a place to forget daily life and immerse yourself in nature.
The roots of this garden are incredibly ancient, inheriting the traditions of a stroll-style garden from the Muromachi period. The history of the azaleas carefully nurtured here dates back approximately 300 years. Legend has it that an entourage of daimyo from the Aizu Clan, while returning from Edo, stopped by this area and was so moved by the beauty of the azaleas that they gifted them to the local landowner. Through generations of passion and dedication to preserving and propagating these beautiful blossoms, the garden has grown into the magnificent botanical space it is today. This commitment to tradition and nature continues to support the breathtaking scenery we see now.
The garden offers a view that fills your entire field of vision with blossoms. The panoramic view of azaleas blooming on the hills is a must-see. Additionally, the western rhododendrons and peonies add different layers of color depending on the season. The facilities are designed for comfort, including the 'Higashi-goya' where you can feel the natural breeze, and a 'Free Rest Area' housed in a 150-year-old traditional Japanese folk house. These spots allow you to rest while admiring the scenery, letting you feel the pure energy of nature in an open, refreshing space.
The best season to visit Okuwabara Tsutsuji-en is from mid-April to early June. During this period, the azaleas, rhododendrons, and peonies are in full bloom, creating the most spectacular and colorful landscape. Visiting in the early morning is highly recommended, as the air is crisp and the colors of the flowers appear even more vivid, making it perfect for photography. While the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, please note that the opening periods may vary depending on the weather and blooming conditions. We recommend checking the latest blooming status before your visit.
Beyond just viewing the flowers, you can enjoy a slow-paced time using the garden's facilities. For instance, at the rest area renovated from a 150-year-old traditional house, you can sit on the tatami mats and gaze at the view through the veranda—a view often described as a 'living picture frame' of azaleas. There is also an on-site dining area where you can enjoy local flavors such as ramen, udon, and soba, as well as light snacks like soft-serve ice cream and grilled dango. Enjoying a meal surrounded by nature will surely deepen your travel experience. The souvenir shop also carries seasonal plants and local specialties.
Located in Sukagawa City, Fukushima, the garden is easily accessible via major roads like the Tohoku Expressway (Sukagawa IC) and Route 4. For those traveling by train, consider access from Sukagawa Station (JR Tohoku Main Line) or Koriyama Station (Tohoku Shinkansen). The surrounding area is rich in nature and perfect for a scenic drive. You can combine your visit with other nearby sightseeing spots to enjoy a more comprehensive tour of the Fukushima region.
Because the garden is vast and involves walking up and down hills, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and casual, easy-to-move-in clothing. It is also wise to bring a hat for sun protection and bottled water for hydration. The garden offers free parking with space for approximately 400 standard cars and 20 large buses. Pets are allowed, provided you follow proper leash and management etiquette. For details on payments and reservations, please refer to the inbound tips section below.