Use the
Planning a Trip to Japan?
Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp
HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Jacaranda Flowers in Miyazaki
Fantastic purple blossoms that are a rare sight in Japan
Miyazaki Prefecture
Do you know the flower called jacaranda? It is said to be one of the three most important flowering trees in the world, along with the african tulip tree and the royal poinciana. Its Japanese name is “shiunboku,” which means the “purple cloud tree.” As the name suggests, it produces fantastic blueish-purple flowers that look as if purple clouds are rising from them. Its lush green leaves and flowers that bloom like a row of bells make it a truly attractive sight.
In Nango Town, Nichinan City, located in the southern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, more than 1,000 jacarandas can be found growing in clusters. In fact, since this flowering tree is native to South America, it is quite rare to see it in Asia, especially in Japan. Visit Jacaranda no Mori near the Roadside Station Nango to enjoy these gorgeous purple blossoms. This is the only place in Japan where you can see them growing in such abundance!
The Jacaranda Festival is held around June, when the trees are in full bloom, and attracts many visitors. At night, the jacarandas are lit up, giving them a mysterious beauty that is different from that of the daytime. After enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring, please come and see the “purple cherry” jacaranda!
How to get there
From Miyazaki Airport, take the taxi to Minamikata Station (10 minutes), then a train to Nango Station (1 hour and a half). Jacaranda no Mori is about 7 minutes by taxi from Nango Station.
3236-3 Nienami, Nango-cho, Nichinan-shi, Miyazaki-ken
