See Some of the Oldest Camellia Trees in Kurume! One of the premier camellia gardens in all of Japan, about 2000 bushes of approximately 500 species of camellia bloom here. In addition to the original Kurume garden cultivars such as “Masayoshi”, “Shirotama-hoshu”, as well as “Sayo Wabisuke”, there are old bushes going back 100 years and original seed camellias. Enjoy the charm of camellia to your heart’s content here! Established in a clearing during the Meiji Period (1868-1911), Kurume Camellia Garden was created to make the best use of a mother orchard of flowers and trees. About 2000 bushes of 500 species are raised in this garden, nationally celebrated for its wide variety. In March of 2010, along with the camellia garden at Ishibashi Cultural Center, it was recognized as an International Camellia Garden of Excellence. Wild species of camellia collected from all over Japan by the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyushu University, and camellia provided by Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology are being raised here, as well as many other precious camellia cultivars and species, so visitors are able to truly appreciate these flowers in their many shapes and forms. Besides camellia, the changing seasons allow for visitors to enjoy other flowers too, with 500 bushes of about 200 azalea cultivars also being kept here. There are zones for rhododendrons, maple trees, and an orchard of about 50 plum trees, too. Each season offers its own flowers and trees for your enjoyment. Wild species of camellia collected from all over Japan by the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyushu University, and camellia provided by Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology are being raised here, as well as many other precious camellia cultivars and species, so visitors are able to truly appreciate these flowers in their many shapes and forms. Besides camellia, the changing seasons allow for visitors to enjoy other flowers too, with 500 bushes of about 200 azalea cultivars also being kept here. There are zones for rhododendrons, maple trees, and an orchard of about 50 plum trees, too. Each season offers its own flowers and trees for your enjoyment. Peak Blooming Season: from December to mid-April Number of plants: About 2,000 bushes of 500 varieties Illumination Events: Not held Restrooms: Available