Mifuneyama Rakuen: A Daimyo Garden Created in the Bakumatsu Period and teamLab's Feast of Light

Mifuneyama Rakuen: A Daimyo Strolling Garden Continuing Since the Bakumatsu Period

"Mifuneyama Rakuen" in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, is a strolling garden created in 1845 by Takeo domain lord Nabeshima Shigeyoshi (1800–1862) in the Bakumatsu period. Taking the cliff face of Mifuneyama as a borrowed landscape, a garden utilizing natural terrain spreads across a vast site of approximately 150,000 tsubo (approximately 500,000 square meters).

Spring Cherry Blossoms and Azaleas

Spring flowers at Mifuneyama Rakuen are particularly spectacular. The "Cherry Blossom Festival (late March – early April)" where approximately 5,000 cherry trees bloom is Saga Prefecture's premier cherry blossom spot. Following that, the "Azalea Festival" where giant azaleas over 200 years old dye the mountainside vermilion is held from mid-April to early May.

teamLab Mifuneyama Rakuen

"teamLab Mifuneyama Rakuen" held in autumn (late July – December) is a light installation by digital art collective teamLab. The pond, trees, rocks, and large tea room of the garden with 300 years of history are adorned with light art, creating a fantastical space. It is a popular event attracting many art fans from Japan and abroad.

Access

Approximately 5 minutes by car or taxi from JR Sasebo Line "Takeo Onsen Station." Combined tourism with Takeo Onsen is convenient. Advance ticket purchase is recommended during spring and autumn seasons due to crowding.