In the event you learn this weblog with any regularity, it’ll be no secret to you that I’m form of a flower nerd. I’ve taken devoted journeys to Japan not just for the favored sakura, however for all different kinds of seasonal blooms.
In fact, Japan is the right nation for this. From the ever-present ajisai (hydrangeas) of early summer season, to the rather more obscure manjushage (spider lilies) that seem in sure forests in September or October, Japan actually invented a phrase (hanami) for “flower viewing.”
Now, even on this context, I’ll admit: It’s a bit unusual to focus particularly on camellias in Japan, for causes I’ll clarify later on this submit. Nonetheless, I don’t assume you’ll be upset if you happen to come throughout a big grove of them.
How I First Turned Conscious of Tsubaki
The primary time I actually observed Japan tsubaki was again in 2018, once I was visiting my good friend Suguru in and round Tokyo. I bear in mind seeing what I now know to be camellia bush, and being each stunned and puzzled by its magnificence. “Is that tree distinctive to Japan?” I requested him, genuinely ignorant, and to not my information having ever seen one anyplace else on the earth. He nodded. “It’s, as far as I do know.”
Since then, I’ve all the time been awake of the flowers, and have become particularly aware of them as soon as I spotted that the widely bloomed in winter time. On the similar time, I by no means went out of my technique to see them; I thought they had been only a ubiquitous presence in Japanese cities, and never a plant that grew in excessive sufficient focus to be exceptional. Effectively, not less than till my journey to the Goto Islands in 2024.
Superb Locations to See Tsubaki in Japan
Toshima Island, Tokyo
Though camellia additionally exist on the bigger (and simpler to go to) Izu Oshima island, they cowl a higher share of the floor of smaller Toshima, make their show there extra spectacular. Alternatively, each transport to get right here and lodging when you arrive are scarce, so plan nicely upfront of the flowers’ January/February peak.
Fukue Island, Nagasaki
Toshima is ostensibly near Tokyo, however Fukue island close to Nagasaki is arguably a extra dependable place to see camellia in Japan. There are extra methods to get right here and rather more lodging on the island, which is residence to a big camellia backyard. Plus, Fukue is certainly one of many thrilling islands within the Goto chain, to say nothing of close by Tsushima and Iki.
Mt. Kasayama Camellia Grove, Hagi
As you’ll know if you happen to learn this web site with any regularity, I’m a large fan of Hagi, a former Samurai city in Yamaguchi prefecture. Past all of the city’s fundamentals, its seasonal shows are magnificence are second-to-none, and the Mt. Kasayama Camellia Grove simply up the coast from the outdated fort city is not any exception. Go right here within the morning, after which to Motonosumi Inari Shrine within the afternoon.
Kurume Camellia Backyard, Fukuoka
One other spot to see these Japan winter flowers is Kurume Camellia Backyard, positioned in Kurume (stunning, proper?) a metropolis in Fukuoka prefecture about 20 minutes by practice from Hakata Station. The tsubaki right here bloom comparatively early (generally even earlier than the top of the yr), so prioritize this place if you happen to plan to be in northern Kyushu in December or January.
Kenroku-en Backyard, Kanazawa
It most likely received’t shock you to study that Kenroku-en (Japan’s finest conventional backyard, and certainly one of its most botanically numerous) is residence to a camellia grove. It isn’t huge or show-stopping, but it surely definitely provides a pop of coloration to a winter go to to Kanazawa, notably if you happen to occur to come back on a snowy day.
Different Winter Flowers in Japan
It surprises lots of people, however winter can truly be a good time to see flowers in Japan. Actually, these ones lend loads of coloration to an in any other case bleak season:
- Whether or not on Chiba‘s Boso Peninsula or alongside the Echizen Coast in Fukui, daffodils (particularly, the smaller narcissus selection) bloom as early as January.
- Talking of peninsulas close to Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula is residence not solely to the more and more well-known kawazu-zakura, however its even earlier-blooming cousin the Atami-zakura.
- Likewise, the kanhizakura that bloom in Okinawa normally attain their peak in the previous couple of days of January or the primary few days of February.
- Plum blossoms (ume) are related to the approaching of spring, however truly bloom in winter, with February being their peak alongside most of Japan’s vacationer path.
Different FAQ About Camellias in Japan
When do camellias bloom in Japan?
Camellias bloom in Japan’s winter season, and even in late fall. Particularly, you may see the timber blooming as early as December in a lot of the nation, although they have a tendency to succeed in their peak in January and February. On the opposite aspect of the bloom, most tsubaki flowers have fallen by April or Might.
The place is one of the best place in Japan to see camellias?
Japan’s highest concentrations of camellias are discovered on Toshima island south of Tokyo, and on Fukue island west of Nagasaki. Nonetheless, you will discover the timber and shrubs in and round Japanese cities, each out within the wild and likewise inside parks and conventional Japanese gardens.
What sort of flowers can I see in Japan in January?
Camellias (tsubaki in Japanese) are one of many best flowers to see in Japan in January. Relying upon the place you might be within the nation, nonetheless, you might also have the ability to see daffodils, plum blossoms (ume) or varied early-blooming species of cherry blossoms.
The Backside Line
I’ll admit that even I may not make a journey explicitly devoted to camellias in Japan. They don’t cowl their timber practically as absolutely as different well-liked flowers in Japan (specifically, cherry blossoms), and since they bloom in winter, you may’t be assured nice climate as you discover the locations the place you discover them. Alternatively, they’re ubiquitous and long-lasting sufficient you can fairly simply incorporate them into your current winter sightseeing, so long as you permit a little bit little bit of area for them. Need customized assist figuring out the place tsubaki would possibly match into your plans? Rent me to plan a customized Japan itinerary!