The azaleas at Hirotayama Park, located within the grounds of Hirota Shrine (part of Hirota Shrine’s property is managed by Nishinomiya City as a park), are now at their best.
About 20,000 Kobano-mitsuba tsutsuji azaleas grow here in clusters, and the area was designated a Natural Monument of Hyogo Prefecture in Showa 44 (1969) (^^)
They’re showing off their beautiful blooms again this year (^O^)／
Hirotayama is about 20,000㎡ in size, so it feels like you can enjoy a bit of forest bathing while taking in the azaleas (^ ^)
The light and dark shades of the azaleas really stand out against the greenery (^O^)／
There was even a spot that looked like an azalea tunnel!
Apparently, some of the trees are over 200 years old…!
There’s even a mention of the azaleas in old records from 1716! It seems this place has been cherished by the people of Nishinomiya as a famous spot for Kobano-mitsuba tsutsuji azaleas for around 300 years 💓
Here it is on the map↓
The azaleas welcome you from the moment you enter through Hirota Shrine’s second torii gate (^O^)／
Finally
The photos were taken on March 28. Some bushes were still just starting to bloom, so it looks like the best viewing period will continue for a little while longer.
At the Tsutsuji Festival on April 5, it seems the children’s procession, flea market, and stage events have been canceled, but they’ll be holding something like this↓
From the Hirota Shrine website
The Kobano-mitsuba tsutsuji azaleas have been soothing the hearts of Nishinomiya residents since long, long ago… Why not head out with your family to see them?
Please check the Hirota Shrine website for details (^O^)／
