From the World to Space ~Tsutsujigaoka Park~

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From the World to Space ~Tsutsujigaoka Park~

We will introduce two rare azaleas found in Tsutsujigaoka Park, which has been praised by the president of the American Azalea and Rhododendron Society as "the best in the world."

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Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

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1. Azaleas at Koutou no naishi Naishiai

Among the 70 varieties of azalea, the famous "Koutou no naishi Azalea" stands over 5m tall and is estimated to be 800 years old. It was planted in 1334 by Gunma warlord Nitta Yoshisada for his beloved wife Koutou no naishi no Naishi.
It is said that it was later transplanted to this place by the third lord of Tatebayashi Castle, Sakakibara (Matsudaira) Tadatsugu.

*Beloved possessions(Iai): Items and belongings that were important to the deceased person during their lifetime.

These precious azaleas have even been featured on TV programs.<br>
These precious azaleas have even been featured on TV programs.

2. Space Azalea

In July 1994, an astronaut boarded the Space Shuttle Columbia from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States and departed into space. That person was Chiaki Mukai, a native of Tatebayashi City and Japan's first female astronaut.

In fact, on this occasion, Mukai and I were able to bring on board the Tatebayashi City flag and three types of azalea seeds as official flight souvenirs. The seeds were collected from old trees estimated to be 100 to 500 years old.

After their return, the seeds were returned to Tatebayashi City, where they were immediately sown and cultivated at the University of Tokyo Botanical Garden, the University of Tsukuba, the Gunma Horticultural Experiment Station, the City Azalea Research Office, and the Tatebayashi Children's Science Museum. In 1999, the "Space Azalea" was registered as a trademark.

Chiaki Mukai, Honorary Director of the Chiaki Mukai Memorial Children's Science Museum<br>
Chiaki Mukai, Honorary Director of the Chiaki Mukai Memorial Children's Science Museum
From the World to Space ~Tsutsujigaoka Park~

Check out the Mukai Chiaki Children's Science Museum

Promoting Tatebayashi City's mascot character

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Promoting Tatebayashi City's mascot character "Pon-chan" and space azalea

Check out Tsutsujigaoka Park

The azalea that has been around for 800 years and the azalea children that traveled through space. We look forward to welcoming you again this year at Tsutsujigaoka Park.

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Gunma Prefecture

Gunma

Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

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