Mifuneyama Rakuen is a park in Saga
Prefecture
and covers 150,000 squares meters. It is best to visit
this
place in the spring time when the cherry blossoms and
azaleas are in full bloom. It is a colorful sight to behold
that
will leave anyone in awe.
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a park that
was established
by
Nabeshima Shigeyoshi the 28th ruler of the Takeo
Domain. The park covers 150,000 square meters
(about
10 Tokyo Domes) and took three years to complete.
Mifuneyama Rakuen was to be made part of
Nabeshima
Shigeyoshi’s holiday home when it was finished in
1845.
It was styled to be a stroll garden in order to enjoy the
artistic arrangement of foliage. This wonderful garden
can be found in Takeo city in Saga Prefecture at the
western foot of Mount Mifune.
Within the grounds of Mifuneyama Rakuen are
50,000
azalea bushes and 5,000 cherry blossom trees. In
addition to those flowers you can find an over 170
year
old wisteria, which is supported by many beams.
When
in season the whole park would be painted in hues of
pink, white, red, and purple. The scene of all the
blooming flowers with a rugged Mount Mifune
backdrop
provides a contrast of the area. It has been listed as
one
of the top 30 places to visit in Japan before you pass
away.
The best time to go to the park would be around mid-
April to early May to see the spring flowers. Now
during
the autumn season the maple trees and evergreens
will
provide another sight to behold. The bright red maple
leaves surrounded by the dark green of the
evergreens
accentuates the feeling of the fall season. This
spectacle can be seen starting from mid to late
November, which is a popular time to go to
Mifuneyama
Rakuen.
You can stroll between the bushes where paths have
been created, but know that hiking and rock climbing
up
Mount Mifune is not allowed. The reason being that it
is
designated a natural monument and the authorities
do
not want visitors to tamper with the grounds. Other
activities that you may enjoy to enhance your trip to
the
garden are the teahouse and hot springs. From the
teahouse you can enjoy nice views of the foliage
around
the area while relaxing with some snacks. Then at
night
Mifuneyama Rakuen is lit up for people to stroll
around
at night. There is even a lake with koi fish that you
can
see. During the winter time there is an illumination
show that uses the waters of the lake as a projector
screen.
Please see below for
tours that include cherry blossoms & azaleas at
Mifuneyama Rakuen:
