Mifuneyama Rakuen Garden
A 500,000 sq metre garden carved into the cliffs of a 235-meter granite mountain, created by the lord of Takeo Domain in 1845. Famous for 200,000 azalea bushes in spring and fiery maple foliage in autumn — one of Kyushu's great seasonal spectacles.
1.5–2 hours
¥500 adults (daytime); night illumination/event fees vary (e.g. ¥1,200–1,400, check official site)
9:00–17:00 (20:00 during light shows); year-round
Late April (azalea) or October–November (autumn leaves)
5 min taxi from Takeo-Onsen Station or free shuttle during peak season
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Late April: the entire cliff turns pink-purple with 200,000 azaleas blooming simultaneously
- 2
teamLab has an annual light art installation in the garden from August to November — ethereal after dark
- 3
The 300-year-old wisteria tree near the pond is one of the largest in Kyushu
Local Tips
The 500,000 azalea bushes blooming in April make this one of Kyushu's most spectacular spring gardens — covering an entire hillside in pink and red. The TeamLab digital light show (spring and autumn) transforms the garden into a luminous dreamscape after dark. Combine with Ureshino Onsen (30 min) for a full Saga day.
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