Mie, Japan: Ise Jingu (Geku and Naiku Sanctuary)

I did plan to start my day early because I want to avoid the crowd at the market street. However, it was raining hard that morning.  A week after, there were warnings to avoid forests and mountains during early mornings as there might be bear sightings, glad I have not seen one.

Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan: Ritsurin Park

Ritsurin Park has been awarded the highest rating of 3 stars in the French travel guide book Michelin Green Guide Japan, meaning it is ``worth the trip.'' (First published in March 2009.) Ref: https://www.my-kagawa.jp/

Fukuoka, Japan: Kawachi Wisteria Garden

It was in 2017 when I first visited this garden.  [Read more]  The same as last time, buying a ticket for this place is a bit of a challenge.  Tickets will only be available a few weeks before the opening date.  The garden is likely to open one week before the golden week, then close 1 week after the golden week.  But the good thing this year is that tickets are available online which truly catered the overseas visitors. So better plan your visit here.  Monitor the announcements on the website. 

Nagasaki, Japan: Matsumoto Azalea Park

Matsumoto Azalea Park

This is another off-the beaten-path garden in Japan that is worth a taxi ride. It might be another challenging journey, as there is an infrequent commuter bus going directly to Matsumoto Azalea Park.

Nagasaki, Japan: Sasebo Flower Garden

Sasebo Flower Garden

Going to Motoyama station from Sasebo station has a very mountainous view. Sometimes the train would pass through tunnels to get through the mountains. 

Spring Festivals and Flower Areas in South Korea

Let us not limit ourselves to cherry bloosom when it comes to spring season in Korea.  Apart from beojkkoch (벚꽃) per its Korean name or sakura (桜) per Japanese term, there are other flowers and festivals we can enjoy for the rest of months of April and May in South Korea.

2017 May: Japan: Fukuoka: Kurume: Ishibashi Cultural Center

Ishibashi Cultural Center
〒839-0862 1015 Nonaka-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka

Japan: Fukuoka: Wisteria Tunnel in Kawachi Fujien

Kawachi Fujien
2-2-48 Kawachi, Yahata-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture 805-0045
http://kawachi-fujien.com/
河内藤園
〒805-0045 福岡県北九州市八幡東区河内2-2-48