Mt. Murone Azalea Festival

At the summit of Mt. Murone, which provides a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, around 200,000 mountain azalea and Renge azalea bushes create a breathtaking spectacle.

Mount Murone is home to around 200,000 wild Yamatsutsuji and Renge-tsutsuji azaleas. When the blooming season arrives, the mountainside turns a vivid crimson.

From late May to mid-June, when the flowers are at their best, the entire mountain becomes covered in rich colors. During this period, the “Mt. Murone Azalea Festival” is held.

From the 895-meter summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking contrast between the bright red carpet of flowers below and the deep blue Pacific Ocean beyond. When weather conditions align, a sea of clouds may form around the summit, enveloping the mountain in white. The dreamlike scenery, where the azalea gardens seem to float above the clouds, truly feels like a paradise in the sky.

The Sanriku region is also home to several other famous azalea spots besides Mount Murone. Since these mountains bloom gradually from south to north, visitors can enjoy the flowers over an extended period by traveling between them.

The season begins at Mount Tatsugane, which straddles Minamisanriku and Kesennuma. Next comes Mount Tokusenjo, known for its overwhelming scale. Finally, the grand finale of this colorful relay is Mount Murone.

The azaleas on Mount Murone usually reach full bloom about one week after the peak season at Mount Tokusenjo. Blooming times vary each year depending on the weather, so be sure to check the latest flowering updates released by each city and town.

On Sunday, May 24, taiko drum performances by groups affiliated with the Iwai Taiko Association will be held near the observatory parking area. Performances will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In addition, the Sky Festival will be held on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, featuring colorful paragliding flights by paragliding enthusiasts across the skies of Mount Murone.

🌸2026 Murone Azalea Festival Details🌸 

Location: Mount Murone Orikabe, Murone-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture

Opening Period / Event Dates: Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 31, 2026.

During weekends throughout the festival period, visitors are asked to transfer to a free shuttle bus at the Boyodai Parking Area. The shuttle buses run continuously to the summit parking area.

Admission Fee: Free

Access by Train / Bus / Taxi: Take the JR Ofunato Line from Ichinoseki Station to Orikabe Station (about 70 minutes), then about 30 minutes by taxi.

Access by Car: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from the Ichinoseki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.

Info (JP):　https://www.ichitabi.jp/event/data.php?p=17 (check here for blooming forecast)