Azalea Blossoms Event at Obonai Park Until June 12

Azaleas in Obonai Park　（生保内公園） are in full bloom! The local newspaper, Akita Sakigake Shinpo reported the event! The blossoms viewing event is now being held until June 12. In the area of about 10 hectare, you can see a colony of 10,000 Azalea trees that are rich in different colors like crimson, orange, and white. Despite of the delayed schedule because of the low temperature in late spring, the park is welcoming many family guests!　

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Rotary Club's Charity BBQ at Obonai Park in Tazawako

A Charity BBQ event for the earthquake victims was held last weekend by Rotary Club in Tazawako, Akita Prefecture. In this event, the members gathered local people and served some delicious food at the local Obonai Park (where the Azalea Festival is being held this week). The main dish was pork of Tazawako’s premium brand, Niji-no-buta! The fundraised money was donated to the March earthquake victims!

Azaleas Are Blooming At Obonai Park in Tazawako Area

Obonai Park (Obonai Koen　;生保内公園) is known for the beautiful Japanese Azalea trees (Tsustuji)! There are more than 10,000 Azalea trees in this park, where you can find playground equipments and a small stage. The Azalea colony is spread over a hill – from a gazebo at the top, you can have a panoramic view of the Obonai residential area. On the other side of the hill, you can walk through the trees to find Jizo statues and a tiny waterfall.

 

Every year, a community festival is held to welcome the visitors in the blooming Azaleas; however, due to the voluntary restraint mood to respect the sentiments of the earthquake victims, this year the festival is slightly downsized.

 

However, the Azaleas are in bloom as usual! The beautiful flowers in various hues are bringing us the earliest sign of approaching summer. Between June 4th and 12th, there will be a few weekend events to welcome you at the park.

 

A Mochi-tsuki (Mochi-pounding) will be held on June 5th, 2011, 11 a.m. hosting you as well as the people who have been sheltered at hotels in Semboku City. The weekend after, there will be ground-golf games for the local seniors groups.

The park is only 10 – 15 min walk from JR Tazawako Station. If you have a few hours to kill at the station, we recommend you to take a walk or a bicycle ride to the park! You can ask for a map at FOLAKE Tazawako Tourism Information Center and go explore this small rural community!

The weather has been very nice in Tazawako, why don’t you have a little picnic in the Azaleas?

Azaleas Blooming in Obonai Park

Azaleas in Obonai Park in Tazawako area are blooming this week. They are seen in various hues!

The entrance to the park.

There is a gazebo and a play area on top of the hill.

Obonai Park is about 15 minutes walk from JR Tazawako Station. It could be a nice walk in the small neighborhood. There is a hot spring facility a few minutes from the park. If you have 2-3 hours at the station and feel like discovering the small community, take  a little walk from the Station.

If you are at JR Tazawako Station, go to Folake Tazawako Tourist Information Center and ask for a map of the local area (English and Korean are available). Make some stops at delicatessens, pastry shops, grocery shops and have a picnic at the park! You can rent a bicycle near the station (across from taxi office) and ride around the town as well.

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Azalea Festival at Obonai Park

Past week Semboku City was flooded with visitors to the flower viewpoints such as Sashimaki (Skuk Cabbage) Colony in Sashimaki, Katakuri (Dogtooth Violet) Colony in Nishiki, cherry blossoms along the Hinokinai River in Kakunodate.

Although the low temperature has postponed the expected blooming date more than once, many people still chose Semboku City for the driving destination! The Sakura Festival is held until this weekend, May 9th. They are still in bloom---in fact, now that the petals are falling, you might experience a pink shower or even sakura fubuki, a storm of cherry blossoms! Please come by while it lasts!

Cherry blossoms are going to be gone in a few days; finally, our Green Season seems to begin very soon. In the meanwhile, we are expecting another flower festival in Tazawako Area: Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival) in Obonai Park!

Azalea (Rhododendron) can be found in many places of Japan; it is also found in centuries old literature like haiku used as a season words that reflect late spring. It seems to be a sign of early summer to us, since we have been waiting for it so long!

*Pictures are from previous years.

Obonai Park is where you can enjoy a stroll amongst approximately 10,000 Azaleas of various hues. The annual Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) is going to be held from May 28th to June 6th. During the festival, food stands are going to be held and the blossoms are going to be lighted up at night.



Obonai Park seems to be rather small for a playground, but considering that it includes hiking trails up on a hill with a few shrines and viewpoints, it is fairly large for a picnic and recreational games. You might see a group of kindergarteners with colorful hats on a school excursion!

Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival) at Obonai Park

May 28th- June 6th, 2010.

A route from JR Tazawako Station (15 minutes walk) 

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