Shakunage Garden

A hillside of colorful rhododendrons in rural Oita

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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A hillside of rhododendrons in rural Oita

The garden is in bloom throughout April and May

There are narrow paths through the bushes

The blooms come in various shades of pink and white

The rhododendrons are also planted with azaleas and a few other flower species

There is also a koi pond in the middle of the garden where you can buy some food and feed the hungry fish

The blooms cover at least several acres

Hidden on a hillside in southern Oita prefecture, the Shakunage Garden boasts over 20,000 rhododendron bushes in various shades of pink and white. Paths wind through the garden and the rhododendrons are interspersed with roses, cherry blossoms and at least 3000 azalea bushes. According to a fellow visitor, this year only 20% of the rhododendrons will be in bloom but next year, the hillside will be completely covered by the massive blooms. Even with slightly less impressive display this year, it's worth tracking down this peaceful site. Entry for adults is ¥500