Korakuen

Early April to mid-April

This magnificent weeping, double-flowering tree grows solitary at the north end of the Eishō-bashi Bridge, on Kayō-no-ike Pond. It blossoms later than Somei Yoshino and in April it becomes a very popular place to take photographs.

Mid-April to late April

These azaleas are a sight to behold with their bright red flowers on Yuishinzan Hill: the blossoming of these bushes marks the start of the season in which Korakuen is at its most verdant.

Late April to early May

Following the Kirishima azaleas, the pink and white flowers of the Hirado azaleas bring color to the garden, especially on Yuishinzan Hill.

Late April to early May

Growing in front of Kakumei-kan Hall and in one plot of the Seiden Fields, these flowers gloriously bloom at the start of summer.

Mid-May to late May

Planted in one plot of the Seiden Fields, the Chinese peonies flower in a wide range of colors from deep crimson to whitish pink.

Late May to early June

The bushes of Satsuki azalea blossom in such vivid pink and red flowers to have become one of the signature plants of Korakuen. They are to be found on the slopes of Yuishinzan Hill and in front of En’yō-tei House.

Early June

The Japanese Iris Garden treasures approximately 3,000 bulbs of 80 varieties, including Iris ensata, Iris sanguinea and Iris laevigata, known as kakitsubata in Japanese and central to the local culture. The flowers bloom in white, violet and purple during the rainy season.

Late June to Late July

Reach Kayō-no-ike Pond to admire the Ittenshikai lotus, an Indian variety blossoming in large white flowers, or Seiden Fields to see the pink Ōga lotus, a variety extinct for millennia and whose seeds have been accidentally rediscovered in the 20th century during an archeological campaign.

Mid-July to late September

These trees flowering in white and pink can be found next to Yuishinzan Hill and the tea plantation. They add fresh colors to the green summer garden.

Mid-September to late September

The little pink and white flowers of these bushes marks the beginning of autumn. Admire them on the north bank of Sawa-no-ike Pond and along the Horseback Riding Ground.

Mid-November to early December

250 maples and many cherry blossoms and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) turning red, orange and yellow: all the hues of autumn at once. The foliage is at its best at Chishi-no-mori Grove, with its 100 iroha maples (Acer palmatum), and around Yuishinzan Hill.

Late October to late January

There are about 170 sasanqua plants growing in many places of the garden, blossoming in brilliant pink flowers and mostly used as natural hedges around the South Gate and the Plum Grove.

Early November to late February

About 300 plants of Kantsubaki, also known as “winter blossoming camellia”, are growing inside and outside the garden, blossoming mostly in shocking pink flowers.

Early December to early April

A total of 150 Japanese camellia plants grow inside and outside the garden in many cultivated varieties, blossoming during wintertime in stunningly beautiful flowers from pure white to deep red.

Mid-January to early March

Planted around the Plum Grove, many daffodils spread their sweet scent to the surroundings.

Early February to early March

The Japanese plums, also known as ume, begin to flower in the very depths of winter spreading their lovely scent in the whole garden. The Plum Grove contains 100 trees in many colors, varieties and shapes.

Mid-January to early February

Found next to the Crane Aviary and the Plum Grove, the yellow wax-like flowers of this tree give off a lovely sweet scent. It is one of the very first trees to blossom in winter.