The azaleas at “Gekkasan Kaneko Azalea Garden” in Ichinomiya, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, are now at their best.
Kaneko Azalea Garden is a private garden about 1 km south of Itoigawa Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway. About 3,500 azaleas are planted on a slope behind his house, about 7,000 square meters high and 40 meters wide.
The park has walking paths and resting spots where visitors can rest and view white and red flowers.
The azaleas were planted about 90 years ago by the grandfather of the garden’s owner, Minoru Kaneko, to relieve the fatigue of busy farmers during this season.
Since then, the garden has expanded in size over three generations and is open to the public every year as it blooms.
The best time to see the trees is usually during the consecutive holidays in May, but this year, due to a cold day late last month, the viewing period was delayed by about 5 days, and finally reached on Tuesday, the 13th.
From visitors to the park
Beautiful! There are azaleas of different colors among the white azaleas, very cool. It looks great.
Just walking around the azaleas, I could smell the strong fragrance. You can even see the ocean from the top.
The opening period has been extended until the day after tomorrow, the 15th, due to the late blooming.
Mr. Minoru Kaneko of the Gekkasan Kaneko Azalea Garden said, “They are almost in full bloom. You can look up at the azaleas or look down from above. It is best if you can see Itoigawa from the top.
The park is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is 300 yen.
