Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park, Kyoto

There were many different kinds of beautiful hydrangeas at this park! Its quite spacious, so you can enjoy walking around while you look at the flowers. I found this was also nice because people were more spaced out than they would be in a smaller park/garden. In general though, it wasn't very crowded even though we visited on a Saturday (June 28, 2024). Maybe it's because the location is a little remote? It felt like a hidden gem. The parking lot was free and admission was only 500 yen! A great price for a place with so many flowers and such a lovely view of the bay. The weather was perfect when we visited, but June is quite hot, so the earlier you can go, the better. We noticed only as we were leaving that they have colorful umbrellas you can borrow for free. I'm sure they would have made cute photo props and helped with the sun. If you're interested, they were at the entrance, just past where you pay admission. Also, in a pavilion just past the entrance, someone was selling drinks, sweets, and small bento (limited supply). We were also surprised to see signs saying that boars had damaged part of the gardens! I included a picture of the sign and you can see the damaged flower beds behind. They seem to have other areas for other seasons, mainly fall leaves and camellias. I would love to visit again in a different season!

Hydrangea Heaven! This park is quite large, a part of which is dedicated camellia trees (blooming in March). They have a whole grove of them. I have been twice during hydrangea blooming season, and it's quite spectacular. They have thousands and thousands of them, all different colors and varieties spanning a large park with boardwalks weaving between the bushes. You'll get lost in the flowers. They also usually have an indoor exhibit with rare/cultivated flowers. This year, they were displayed outside. During flowering season there is paid admission (it was 500 yen I believe and well worth it). The mountains in the distance, beautiful lawn perfect for picnics, and even a pond. I heard that the fall is quite brilliant here as well, as there are a large number of broad-leaf trees. It is a bit far from anything else, but that is part of the appeal. For those looking to make a day of it, there are hiking trails not too far away, and a couple of excellent options for lunch in higashi Maizuru.

Not open even in summer! That out of expectation.

A beautiful place to explore, regardless of the season. Set aside at least 90 minutes to see everything the park has to offer.

[A park where you can enjoy the rich expressions of nature in each of the four seasons] ⚠️The park is only open three times a year (Hydrangea Garden, Autumn Leaves Garden, Camellia Garden). It is closed at other times. A wonderful park where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of each season, nestled in the rich nature of the Oura Peninsula in Maizuru City. This park is not open all year round, but opens for limited periods to coincide with the camellia season in spring, the hydrangea season in summer, and the autumn leaves season in fall. Each season offers a completely different and beautiful appearance, so you can encounter new wonders no matter how many times you visit. Pets are allowed, and electric wheelchairs are available for rent during the opening season (limited number available). 🌸The Camellia Garden boasts an impressive scale (around mid-March) The camellia garden, which opens with the arrival of spring, boasts one of the largest scales in Japan, with approximately 1,500 varieties and 30,000 camellia trees. The greatest attraction is the opportunity to admire a wide variety of flowers, not only common camellias, but also rare wild and exotic species, and even rare varieties found around the world. Strolling through the meticulously maintained garden and comparing the differences in color and shape of each individual flower was a truly luxurious experience. It's a place that photography enthusiasts and plant lovers will absolutely adore. ☔ A breathtaking hydrangea garden (mid-June) The hydrangea garden, which brightens the rainy season, truly deserves to be called a "sea of ​​hydrangeas." Approximately 100 varieties and 100,000 hydrangeas bloom across the slopes of this vast 2-hectare site. The sight of the colorful blue, purple, white, and pink flowers filling the entire field of vision is simply spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful. With well-maintained walking paths, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while feeling enveloped in hydrangeas. Rainbow-colored umbrellas are available for rent. The hydrangea garden in the rain is also quite charming. 🍁A tranquil and vibrant autumn foliage garden (mid-November) As autumn deepens, the garden is dyed in fiery reds and yellows, creating a magnificent world of autumn colors. Compared to other famous autumn foliage spots, it has the charm of a hidden gem, offering a relatively relaxed and peaceful viewing experience amidst vast natural surroundings. The 360-degree "sea of ​​autumn leaves," where the trees are vividly colored, is picturesque no matter where you look. It's a peaceful place to feel the autumn atmosphere, quietly experiencing the crisp air and crunching on fallen leaves. 💡Summary No matter what season you visit, it's worth seeing, and the meticulous work of those who manage it is evident. The view of Maizuru Bay from the observation deck near Chinzanso on the hill within the garden is also quite spectacular. Since the opening period is limited, it is highly recommended to check the latest schedule on the official website before visiting. This is a spot I can confidently recommend to nature lovers and those who want to experience the changing seasons firsthand.