1
Kuju Flower Park

A superb park with colorful flowers decorating the mountain range of Aso

Located 850 meters above sea level on the Kusumi Plateau in Aso National Park, the park commands views of the Kujyu Mountain Range, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, and the five Aso peaks to the far south. The park is a vast site of approximately 220,000 m2 that makes the most of natural undulations, and is planted with 5 million flowers of various kinds in about 500 species.
In the spring, tulips, pansies, camellias, nemophila, and other flowers bloom one after another, creating a colorful patchwork landscape. The "Tulip Festival" is held when the tulips are at their best, and the sight of approximately 30,000 large flowers in five different colors is a sight to behold. In May, the popular nemophila field and approximately 200,000 Livingston daisies are at their best.
The buffet restaurant, which always offers more than 40 dishes that make the most of local ingredients, a café, and a souvenir store are also available, making this a great place to stop by.

Best time to visit
Tulips: Usually about a week in late April
Shiba-zakura (Cerasus jamasakura): Usually in late April
Poppies: Usually from late April to late May
Nemophila: Usually early May to late May

Tulip Festival
Date: April 19 (Sat) - April 27 (Mon)
Location：Flower Garden Area

Nemophila Festival
Date: April 26 (Sat) - June 1 (Mon)
Place: Hanabatake area, etc.

Kujyu Hana Park

• 4050 Oaza Kusumi, Kusumi Town, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture MAP
• About 30 minutes by car from JR Bungo Taketa Station, about 105 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• 8:30-17:30 (last admission at 17:00)
• Open throughout the season (closed during winter from December 1 to the end of February)
• Admission (mid-April to early June): Adults 1,300 yen, children (5 years old to junior high school students) 500 yen
  Other times of the year: Adults 500-1,300 yen, children free-500 yen
• 0974-76-1422
• Free of charge

2
Isshin Gyo Park

The majestic cherry trees are more than 400 years old and are said to be the best in Kyushu.

The park is located in Minami Aso Village on the Kumamoto Prefecture side of Aso Kujyu Park. In the middle of the park's park golf course is the famous "Isshin Gyo no Daizakura" cherry tree. It is approximately 14 m tall, with a trunk circumference of over 7 m. In addition, its branches stretch an astonishing 21.3 m from east to west and 26 m from north to south. With the mountains of Aso in the background, the magnificent cherry tree in full bloom is an incomparable and magnificent sight. Around the same time as the cherry blossoms bloom, the surrounding rape fields turn yellow, creating a vivid spring contrast. The tree is said to be the family tree of Hoki no Kami Korefyu, the lord of Yazaki Castle (Ujo-shi), who was killed in a battle during the Warring States period.

Flowering season: Usually late March
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from late March to early April.
Cherry Blossoms】Yamazakura (Cerasus jamasakura)

3
Takamori Pass

Cherry blossom viewing drive along the 3-km winding road lined with cherry blossom trees

Takamorimachi is located in the easternmost part of Kumamoto Prefecture. The road from "Takamori Nature Park" southeast of Takamori Station up to Takamori Pass is so curvy that it is commonly called "Kujukumagari. It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, known for the "Takamoritoge Senbonzakura" (1,000 cherry trees). In spring, about 7,000 cherry trees planted along the road bloom, attracting many cherry blossom viewing drives. Since the cherry trees are planted at different elevations, the blooming time differs slightly, making it a popular place to enjoy cherry blossoms for a long period of time. There are many Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees, ranging from young to old, and there are photo spots near the 4th and 6th station, where you can take pictures of the five Aso mountains and the Minami Aso plains with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
A "Cherry Blossom Festival" is usually held at the "Cherry Blossom Viewing Plaza" near the third station when the cherry blossoms are at their best. During the festival, the 99-bend road is one-way in the uphill direction.

Blooming time】Late March every year
Best viewing time】Late March to mid-April every year
Someiyoshino cherry trees, yamazakura cherry trees, satozakura cherry trees

Takamori Pass

• Takamori, Takamori-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto MAP
• Approx. 30 min. from JR Tatsuno Station by car, Approx. 43 min. from Aso Kumamoto Airport by car
• 0967-62-2913（Takamorimachi Town Hall, Policy Promotion Division, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section)
• Free of charge (100 yen per car as a cooperation fee for cherry blossom maintenance during the festival)

4
Senzui Gorge

The mountains are dyed in pink, and the Miyama-kirishima cherry blossoms growing in clusters are a sight to behold.

Located at the northern foot of Nakadake (Mt. Aso) and Takadake (Mt. Aso), the gorge is said to have been created by lava flow from the eruption of Mt. The area around the canyon, where lava is exposed, is home to some 50,000 Miyama-kirishima plants. The azaleas are a type of azalea found in the high mountains of Kyushu. Around May, purple-red and peach-colored flowers bloom en masse, creating a spectacular view that makes the entire surface of the mountain appear pink. It is said that the valley got its name from the fact that "the beauty of the flowers is so intoxicating that even hermits become intoxicated. The elevation of the valley is approximately 900 meters, and on a clear day, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the North Outer Rim Mountains and other magnificent natural scenery. The walking paths are gentle, so visitors can enjoy the spectacular views while taking their time.

Flowering season] Usually in early May
Best time to see the flowers: Usually early to mid May.
Flower type: Miyama-kirishima

Senzui Gorge

• Senankyo, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 20 minutes from JR Aso Station by car, Approximately 70 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport by car
• 0967-22-3174（Aso City Tourism Division)
• Free of charge

5
Kannonzakura Viewing Platform

A 100-year-old single cherry tree standing peacefully in Bokuya

Located in a spacious pastureland in the outer rim of Minami Aso, the observatory commands a distant view of Mt. A little further down the mountain, you will be greeted by the majestic "Kannon-zakura," a single cherry tree with horizontally spreading branches. This cherry tree is about 100 years old, and its name comes from the fact that "Bato Kannon" (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined nearby. When the pale pink flowers are in full bloom, they are divinely beautiful. The cherry trees are located in an area that is usually used for cattle grazing, and visitors must walk up a grass-covered hill to view the cherry blossoms, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When you get to the top where you can look down on the cherry trees at an elevation of about 480 meters, you can enjoy the spectacular view of Nangodani and the mountains of Aso against the backdrop of the blossoms.

Flowering season: Usually late March
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from late March to early April.
Cherry Blossoms】Yamazakura (Cerasus jamasakura)

6
Kumamoto Open-Air Theater Aspecta

Kawazu cherry blossoms, Someiyoshino cherry blossoms, and many other types of cherry blossoms are available.

This is one of the world's largest outdoor stages, 132 meters long and with a capacity of 20,000 people, and is well known as a cultural Property for the people of the prefecture. The Property is named after the "Aso" (Aso) scenery, with the aim of creating a "spectacular" Experience.
The vast parkland to the left of the stage is lined with some 10,000 cherry trees, many of which have been planted since the donation of kawazu cherry trees in 2009. Families can also enjoy the magnificent view of the outer rim of Aso while relaxing on the lawn and spreading out their lunch boxes. The Cherry Blossom Festival is held on a field surrounded by cherry blossoms, with stage events, various Experience corners, and much more.

Flowering season: Usually late February (Kawazu-zakura)
Usually from late February to early April.
Kawazu-zakura, Someiyoshino, Shidare-zakura, Yama-zakura, Yang-ki-zakura

▼ Aspecta Tei Spring Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Sunday, March 30

Kumamoto Open-Air Theater Aspecta

• 4411-9 Minamiaso-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto MAP
• Approx. 37 min. by car from JR Higo Otsu Station, approx. 32 min. by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• 9:00-17:00
• Wednesdays (open during events)
• Free of charge
• 0967-67-1161
• Free of charge

7
Choujugaoka Azalea Park

Colorful azaleas blooming at a place of relaxation for citizens

A small hill about 600 meters above sea level is located in the northwestern part of the Aso Five Mountains, in an area called Hatabe Field. The park was created when local people planted azaleas at the rest area of a farm road that used to carry grass from the grasslands on the outer rim of Aso. Today, about 10,000 azaleas are planted on the entire hill, and visitors can enjoy the rich color of the flowers, which range from light red to peach and purple-red. The view of the five Aso mountains from the observatory is a popular photo spot. A statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined near the parking lot of the park.

Due to the threat of landslides after the Kumamoto earthquake, visitors are allowed to enter the parking lot but are not allowed to walk around the park. You can see azaleas from the parking lot from a distance.

Flowering time: Late April
Best time to see the azaleas: Usually late April to early May.