The Brilliant Blossoms of the Noto Peninsula

From late April through mid-May, Oku-Noto—the outer portion of the Noto Peninsula extending into the Sea of Japan from Ishikawa Prefecture—is colored by the dazzling reds and red-violets of Kirishima azalea (tsutsuji) shrubs in full bloom. Local residents look forward to these splendid flowers even more than to Japan’s signature sakura cherry blossoms. Owners look after their tsutsuji shrubs year-round to ensure that they will bloom beautifully. During the blooming season many residents open their gardens to the public.

(Originally published in Japanese. Created in cooperation with Kanazawa Cable Television.)