The sakura may be over here in Kyushu, but that just means its on to the next flower. For a burst of color outside Kumamoto City, head straight for Showa Park in Ozu Town. The hillside park boasts around 40,000 azalea bushes of fifteen different species. They bloom from mid-April to early May and the park will hold a festival on April 19th, with music and food vendors. There is a small parking lot on-site but the park is also a twenty minute walk or very short taxi ride from Higo Ozu station.
- 1 min read
Azaleas at Showa Park
Spring flowers in Ozu

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

Azaleas grace the hillsides of Showa Park in Ozu

The blooms call in various shades of pink and red

The burst of color is a welcome sign that spring has arrived in Kyushu

The park is laced with walking trails and some playground equipment for kids

The azaleas typically bloom from mid-April to early May

There were a handful of white blooms in amongst the pink

The center of the park has the most impressive display

A blend of colors
Explore nearby
-
Hotel Vista Kumamoto Airport
Featured
-
-
-
Join the discussion
Radica Sooknarine
10 years ago
The blooms are spectacular! I love your photos!
Thank you, Radica! It's certainly a beautiful park.
Yui Yamaguchi
10 years ago
Thanks for updating of this garden. I read about it on Kumanichi Newspaper website. They're very colourful!
Yui, I am "friends" with Kumamon on Facebook. He keeps me informed about what's going on in Kumamoto, so it's thanks to him that I know about this garden!
4 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
2
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
3
Nyuto Onsen Village and Its Seven Springs in Akita’s Mountains
Akita -
4
Ski Among Snow Monsters at Ani Ski Resort
Akita -
5
One Full Day in Kamogawa From Kamenoi Hotel Kamogawa
Chiba - Sponsored -
6
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
7
Discover Winter Magic at Akita’s Tazawako Ski Area
Akita -
8
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
9
Explore Kujukuri, Chiba and Beyond
Chiba - Sponsored -
10
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Summer Comiket
Tokyo -
7
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
8
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
9
Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
Nara -
10
Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori
Tokyo