Completed in 1989 to commemorate the centennial of the founding of Kurume city, Hyakunen Park is situated in the center of the municipal recreation zone running along the banks of the Kora and the bed of the Chikugo rivers. Equipped with facilities such as a lawn for holding events and a multipurpose plaza, it is located near the Fukuoka Science Museum and Kurume Bird Center. To the east, visitors can gaze at the Mino mountain range, imagining the secrets of romance and history hidden there. At the Azalea Garden inside Hyakunen Park, about 120,000 bushes have been planted. One of the varieties found here is the Yae-Kirishima, presented to Kurume by Tatebayashi, a city in Gunma Prefecture that is known for azaleas. There are also ancient shrubs gifted by Wadomari, an island in southern Kagoshima Prefecture and Nagai, a city in Yamagata Prefecture. In the spring, visitors can enjoy viewing azalea in full bloom, especially during the famous Kurume Azalea Festival. Held every April, many fans come to see Kurume azalea proudly blooming in their full glory! During cherry blossom season, about 200 trees bloom along the river banks. The park also houses the Kurume Research Center Building, which serves as a biotech hub for the region of Kurume and nearby city, Tosu. Facilities The Multipurpose Plaza (9,200 square meters) The Exercise Plaza (3,500 square meters) The Event Lawn (8,600 square meters) The World Azalea Garden Peak Blooming Seasons: Azalea bushes, such as the Kurume and Satsuki varieties: from early to late April Cherry trees (about 200 of the Somei-Yoshino variety): from late March to early April