What other travelers are saying about Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park
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.
I visited in mid-June. The hydrangeas were about 40% in bloom. The hydrangeas, taking advantage of the slope, were impressive. The boardwalk is also a great way to walk, so I highly recommend it.
The garden is well-maintained, which left a good impression. The staff at the garden, including the parking guide, were also very helpful, making it a pleasant experience to look around.
I remember visiting during the fall season, when the ground was covered in ginkgo leaves, and it was so beautiful. There weren't many people, so I was able to enjoy the scenery at my leisure. The photo was taken in 2014.
The park operates year-round with seasonal hours. From March to September, the park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from October to February, hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time. The park is closed from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holiday period.
The park features two major flowering seasons that attract the most visitors. The 30,000 camellia trees typically bloom in mid-March, offering spectacular displays of 1,500 different varieties. The 100,000 hydrangea plants of 100 different varieties bloom in June, creating vibrant blue, purple, pink, and white displays across a two-hectare area. The park also offers beautiful autumn foliage and year-round seasonal scenery.
By train: Take JR to Higashi Maizuru Station, then board the Kyoto Kotsu Bus Mihama Line and get off at the "Natural Culture Garden" bus stop. By car: The park is about 20 minutes from the Maizuru Higashi Interchange on the Maizuru Wakasa Expressway. The park is located at 24-12 Taneji, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.
The park offers free parking with space for 100 regular-sized vehicles and 10 large vehicles. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car, especially during peak blooming seasons when the park attracts many guests from across the region.
The park sits on the scenic Oura Peninsula with elevated views and walking trails connecting various garden areas. Beyond the famous camellia and hydrangea collections, visitors can enjoy green lawns in early summer and red autumn foliage. The park serves as a nature observation destination with diverse landscapes throughout the year.
