Shiofune Kannon Azalea Festival: A Spring Escape near Tokyo

Located in Ome City, this event is a must-see if you're visiting during April or May, when the temple grounds come alive with vibrant azalea blooms The temple is famous for its hillside covered in over 17,000 azalea bushes, transforming the entire area into a colorful tapestry of pink, purple, white, and red. The sight of the blooming azaleas surrounding the towering Shiofune Kannon statue is awe-inspiring, especially when viewed from the top of the hill. It's easible accessible by the JR Chuo line or JR Ome line to Ome station. Once you arrive, you can either take a bus bound for Shiofune Kannon Iriguchi (10min) and walk about 10 min to the entrance. OR you can walk for around 2km from the station. I actually did walk, and the road will go through the citizen town, when you can spot some familiar scenes in the Doraemon manga, with a typical Japanese lifestyle. The temple is quite small so it doesn't take long to visit. But I highly recommend a slow pace visit, just go, and sit, and relax like the locals do. You will feel very relaxed. #100waysoftravel