[Fukushima Prefecture] Take a leisurely stroll in spring! 5 recommended spots for strolling among the flowers

Spring has finally arrived! It's the perfect season for a walk. On warm, sunny days, it's nice to stroll around and admire the colorful flowers

Fukushima Prefecture is rich in nature and has many famous flower spots. So, this time we will introduce some flower-filled spots that are recommended for spring walks. Please use this as reference for your outing

Hanamiyama Park: A spring paradise known as Shangri-La (Fukushima City)

"There is a paradise in Fukushima." of Shotaro Akiyama, one of Japan's leading photographers . Akiyama loved Hanamiyama Park and would visit it whenever the park was in full bloom during his lifetime.

The most distinctive feature of Hanamiyama Park is its grand scale. The sight of around 70 types of flowers blooming all at once, including Somei Yoshino cherry trees, plum blossoms, flowering peach blossoms, and Japanese quince, is a spectacular sight. When viewed from a distance, the entire mountain appears to be covered in white. The best time to see the spring flowers is usually from late March to mid-April

By the way, Hanamiyama Park is not a park managed by the government. It is actually private property that has been developed by a flower farmer and his family over 70 years. Its beauty has attracted attention, and it has now become one of Fukushima's leading tourist destinations. When the flowers are in full bloom, the area becomes so crowded that a dedicated bus route is operated. Please make sure to check the access before heading out

Hanamiyama Park <Information>

Facility name: Hanamiyama Park
Address: 17 Watarihara, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 024-526-0871
URL: https://www.hanamiyama.jp/

Google Map

---

[Hebi-no-hana, the Home of Flowers and History] The contrast between the pond and the flowers of the four seasons (Motomiya City)

This garden was built on land developed by Mr. Ito, the former landowner of Motomiya . From spring to autumn, you can see the vibrant colors of the changing seasons, including flowers and autumn leaves.

Hebi-no-hana is famous for its cherry blossoms and wisteria. With the arrival of spring, the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees around the pond and other areas in the garden begin to bloom. Hebi-no-hana Palace, a nationally registered tangible cultural property , and the cherry blossoms is stunning against the blue sky. The 100-meter-long wisteria trellis, said to be 500 years old, is at its best around May each year. The sight of the pale purple wisteria swaying in the breeze is truly breathtaking.

Another great thing about Hebi-no-hana is that the admission ticket doubles as a passport. Once you buy a ticket, you can re-enter throughout the year. This makes it easy for those who want to use the walking course for walking or visit in different seasons. In autumn, the park quickly transforms into a spot for viewing autumn leaves, so it's definitely worth visiting again and again

Snake's Nose <Information>

Facility name: Snake Nose, Home of Flowers and History
Address: 38 Snake Nose, Motomiya, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 024-334-2036
URL: https://janohana.com/

Google Map

---

[Jupia Land Hirata] A pink hill covered with swaying moss pinks (Hirata Village)

This famous flower spot boasts approximately 250,000 moss phlox plants blooming on the hills at the foot of the mountain . The best time to see them is usually from late April to mid-May. The contrast between the carpet of moss phlox that covers the entire area and the hazy mountains in the distance is breathtakingly beautiful. Electric carts are available within the park, making it convenient for those with mobility issues. Be sure to climb to the top and enjoy the view below.

The park is also home to 35,000 lilies and 825 varieties of hydrangeas, which are at their best in early summer. Why not check them out as well?

Jupia Land Hirata <Information>

Facility name: Jupia Land Hirata
Address: 437 Yomodake, Yomoda-shinden, Hirata-mura, Ishikawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 024-755-3535
URL: https://www.vill.hirata.fukushima.jp/site/jupialand/

Google Map

---

[Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms] This is the perfect spot for viewing the cherry blossoms! (Kitakata City)

a superb cherry blossom viewing spot, with a row of weeping cherry trees stretching for about 3km on both sides . The promenade uses part of the former Nicchu Line, which connected Kitakata Station and Atsushio Station, and is planted with about 1,000 weeping cherry trees. There is also a steam locomotive on display near the midpoint, and it is a popular spot to take photos with the cherry blossoms in the background.

In recent years, it has become known nationwide as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, attracting many visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture. When the cherry blossom season arrives, why not head out with your camera in hand?

Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom Trees ＜Information＞

Facility name: Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom Avenue
Address: Oshikiri Higashi 2-chome, Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 024-124-5200
URL: https://www.gurutto-aizu.com/detail/476/index.html

Google Map

---

[Sukagawa Peony Garden] Large, colorful flowers sway in the breeze (Sukagawa City)

Sukagawa Peony Garden is a peony garden that has been designated a national scenic spot . The spacious 10-hectare site is home to approximately 7,000 peonies of 290 different species. Some of the trees are over 200 years old, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the peonies' various colors, shapes, and appearances.

The best time to see the peonies is usually from early to mid-May, and only during this time does an admission fee apply. Admission is free at other times, so it's a great place for those looking for a pleasant stroll

Sukagawa Peony Garden <Information>

Facility name: Sukagawa Peony Garden
Address: 80-1 Peony Garden, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 024-873-2422
URL: https://www.botan.or.jp/

Google Map

---

Come to Fukushima, full of flowers!

Fukushima Prefecture is rich in nature and has not only delicious food and pleasant hot springs, but also many famous flower spots! There are so many that it is impossible to introduce them all. If you are looking for a place to go out in the spring weather, we hope you will consider this place

---