The Kurume City World Azalea Center was established as a result of the preservation and cultivation of valuable azalea species collected at the World Azalea Festival held in 1989. Here, 21,000 plants of 1,600 varieties, including Kurume azaleas, world azaleas (azaleas), and original varieties of the Azalea Center, one of the largest collections in Japan, are cultivated. Varieties derived from the plant hunter Wilson, such as Wilson 50, who spread Kurume azaleas to the West, are also displayed. Every year in mid-April, when the azaleas are in full bloom, the center is open to the public, and many people visit. Admission is possible on weekends and holidays, so be sure to visit.
Access Information
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-April to early May
- Varieties: 100 varieties including Kurume azaleas and Hirado azaleas
- Number of Trees: 61,000
- Admission Fee: Free
- Address: 299-354 Mii-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: Take the Nishitetsu Bus to “Mii-machi” and walk for about 50 minutes
- Parking: Available (Free, 90 spaces)