Guida
Okubara Tsutsuji Garden is a beautiful botanical garden located near the center of Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, designed to maximize the natural topography of the land. The garden's most striking feature is the vast collection of over 50,000 plants, including azaleas, western rhododendrons, and peonies. The colorful panorama spreading across two gentle hills is a breathtaking sight that offers profound relaxation to all visitors. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler from abroad, this garden is a beloved destination for those seeking to escape daily life and immerse themselves in nature.
The roots of this garden are deeply historical, inheriting the traditions of the 'strolling garden' style from the Muromachi period. The history of the azaleas nurtured here dates back approximately 300 years. Legend has it that the beauty of these flowers was first recognized by a high-ranking official from the Aizu Clan traveling back from Edo, who was so moved by the sight that he gifted the plants to the local landowner. For generations, the passion of the families who have protected and cultivated these blossoms has shaped the expansive botanical garden we see today. This dedication to preserving both nature and tradition is what sustains the magnificent scenery today.
The garden offers a view that fills your entire field of vision with vibrant colors. 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. To enhance your visit, the garden features the 'Higashi-goya' (East Hut) to feel the natural breeze, and a free rest area housed in a 150-year-old traditional Japanese folk house. These spots allow you to enjoy the scenery while resting in an open space that makes you feel the pure energy of nature.
The peak season for Okubara Tsutsuji Garden is from mid-April to early June. During this window, the azaleas, rhododendrons, and peonies are in full bloom, creating the most spectacular landscape. We highly recommend visiting in the early morning when the air is crisp and clear, as the colors of the flowers appear even more vivid in the soft light—perfect for photography. While the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, please note that opening periods may vary based on weather and blooming status, so checking the latest updates is advised.
Beyond simple sightseeing, you can enjoy a slow-paced experience using the garden's facilities. At the rest area—a renovated 150-year-old traditional house—you can sit on the tatami mats and gaze at the view through the veranda, which many call a 'living picture frame' of azaleas. The garden also features a dining area where you can enjoy local comforts like ramen, udon, and soba, as well as light snacks like soft-serve ice cream and grilled rice dumplings (dango). Enjoying a meal surrounded by nature adds a deeper layer to your visit. Additionally, the souvenir shop offers seasonal plants and local Fukushima specialties.
Located in Sukagawa City, Fukushima, the garden is easily accessible via the Tohoku Expressway (Sukagawa IC) or Route 4. For those traveling by rail, it is a manageable distance from Koriyama Station or Sukagawa Station. The surrounding area is rich in nature and perfect for a scenic drive. You can easily combine a visit to the garden with other sightseeing spots in the Fukushima/Tohoku region to make the most of your trip.
Because the garden is vast and involves walking up hills, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for light activity. Bringing a hat for sun protection and plenty of water is also a good idea. The garden provides free parking for approximately 400 standard cars and 20 large buses. Pets are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash and managed responsibly. Please check the inbound information section below for details on payments and accessibility.