Tatebayashi Castle Park — Azalea Hill
A castle park best known for 10,000 azalea plants (50 varieties) cascading down the old earthwork ramparts in late April — one of Japan's top azalea spectacles. The park also has 1,100 cherry trees and the reconstructed castle tower. In autumn, the earthwork moats fill with reflected maple colour.
1–2 hours
Free
Park: always open; azalea peak: late April–early May; free at all times
Late April (azaleas), late March (cherry)
Tatebayashi Station on Tobu Isesaki Line (60 min from Asakusa)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
10,000 azalea plants in 50 varieties cascade down the old castle earthworks in late April
- 2
1,100 cherry trees in the park — one of the finest sakura displays in the Kanto region
- 3
The earthwork ramparts are the best-preserved in Gunma — no concrete, just original soil banks
Local Tips
Tatebayashi's castle park has 10,000 azalea bushes covering the former castle terraces — one of Japan's finest azalea displays. The cherry blossom season (April) adds a second spectacular flowering. The park is almost entirely unknown to foreign visitors. Combine with a day trip from Nikko or as a stop between Tokyo and Nikko.
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