A must-see for those coming to Japan in the spring! 5 places to enjoy spring flowers in southern Ehime Prefecture!

Introducing spring flower viewing spots in the southern Ehime Prefecture

In the southern Ehime Prefecture, various flowers including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and rape blossoms will be in full bloom from mid-March. Compared to big cities in Japan, there are fewer people here, making it the perfect region for those who want to quietly enjoy the Japanese spring in a calm place. Here we will introduce five spots that are especially worth visiting in the spring. They are also popular photo spots, so be sure to visit when they are in full bloom!

• Table of Contents
• 1. Ozu Castle [Cherry Blossoms]
• 2. Mount Tomisu [Azalea]
• 3. Field front riverside square [rapeseed flowers]
• 4. Maruyama Park [Rhododendron]
• 5. Flower Park Ozu [Tulips]

1. Ozu Castle [Cherry Blossoms]

Ozu Castle , located in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture. The cherry blossoms reach full bloom every year in early April, adding a beautiful splash of color to the black and white castle tower, a symbol of Ozu. The "Tourist Sakura Festival" is also held to coincide with the cherry blossom season, so be sure to check it out. We also recommend touring the castle interior when you visit Ozu Castle. The castle tower has been faithfully reconstructed from wood, so you can see the impressive wooden structure!

Ozu Castle

903 Ozu, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture 7950012

Ozu Castle is said to have its origins in Jizogatake Castle, which was built by Toyofusa Utsunomiya, the governor of Iyo Province, in 1331 a...

2. Mount Tomisu [Azalea]

Every year from late April to mid-May, about 60,000 azaleas bloom on Mount Tomisu, painting the summit pink. The mountain looks as if it is wearing a pink hat, and you can enjoy the azaleas in full bloom even from within the city.

The photo spot I recommend is a place where you can see Ozu Castle and the azaleas together. If you have a telephoto camera, you can take a photo like this!

This is the place where you can take this photo.

3. Field front riverside square [rapeseed flowers]

Various flowers bloom in each season at the "Hatomae Riverside Square" along the Hijikawa River that flows through Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, but in spring the whole area is dyed yellow with rape blossoms . The best time to see this is around March. Also, at the Hatomae Riverside Square, rape blossoms bloom in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn. There is a red bridge nearby, and the contrast between the red bridge and the yellow rape blossoms is stunning!

Field front riverbed plaza

795-0052 Wakamiya, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture

In the riverbed plaza in front of the field, rapeseed flowers bloom in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn. When the trees ar...

4. Maruyama Park [Rhododendron]

Maruyama Park in Hijikawa-cho, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, is also known as Shakunage Valley , and about 3,000 rhododendrons bloom from mid- to late April. When they are in full bloom, not only rhododendrons but also azaleas and mountain roses bloom, allowing you to see a variety of colorful flowers.

The Rhododendron Festival is also held during the rhododendron flowering season.

5. Flower Park Ozu [Tulips]

From March to April, colorful tulips and rape blossoms are in full bloom at Ozu Flower Park. In addition to spring, you can also enjoy seasonal flowers such as marigolds and cosmos in autumn at the Flower Park. There is also a large plaza, so we recommend relaxing there or having a picnic!