Flower Viewing

With the transition of the four seasons, various seasonal flowers can be enjoyed.

[A] Cherry Blossom : Karatsu Castle (Karatsu City)

Also called Maizuru Castle, Karatsu Castle boasts approximately 270 someiyoshino and yamasakura cherry trees. Against the background of the castle tower with five layered floors, a panoramic view of the whole Karatsu Bay can be enjoyed. The best season for cherry blossom viewing is the beginning of April.

[B] Hydrangea : Mikaeri Waterfall (Ouchi Town, Karatsu City)

The Mikaeri Waterfall located in Ouchi Town, Karatsu City has been selected as one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer and red leaves in autumn add beautiful colors to the waterfall. The hydrangeas in June and July are especially worth seeing. Approximately 40,000 roots of hydrangeas of 40 kinds in blue, pink and purple colors create a spectacular landscape in harmony with the magnificent waterfall which is said to have the biggest drop in Kyushu.

[C] Autumn Leaves Kunenan (Kanzaki City Kanzaki Town)

Kunenan, a national scenic beauty spot renowned for its beautiful autumn leaves, used to be a second villa of Saga businessman Itami Yataro. The name is derived from the nine years from 1900 that were spent constructing the garden under the guidance of Hotori, a priest of the Zen Buddhism sect. Azaleas and maple trees are planted around the Sukiya-style (traditional tea house architect) residence and the garden, with the Chikushi Plains in the background. Groves and mosses, naturally growing all over, create an atmosphere full of sophisticated elegance. It is open to the public for only nine days in the middle of November every year, the best season to appreciate the autumn leaves.

[D] Shichimensou (Suaeda Japonica) : Higatayoka Park (Higashiyoka Town)

In the late autumn, shichimensou, annual plants of 20-40cm in height, grow along the Ariake Sea coast and color the whole area red. Their shapes are unique. The leaves looking like flowers branch away in sticks. Shichimensou plants grow only on mud flats where there are less winds, waves or currents. They are also called "halophikous plants" because they are resistant to salty water. Shichimensou plants are unique in the way they change colors.

[E] Plum Tree : Mifunegaoka Plum Grove (Takeo City)

Mt. Mifune is also called "Mt. Karafune" as it looks like an old Chinese ship. In Mifunegaoka Plum Grove at the eastern foot of the mountain, 10,000 plum trees blossom from the middle of February to the beginning of March. During this period, the plum flower viewing festival is held, attracting a lot of visitors. At the western foot of the mountain is located Mifuneyama Rakuen Amusement Park, where 5,000 cherry trees and 50,000 azaleas create magnificent scenery every spring.