Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden

（The "Flower Tourist Attraction Creation Award" sponsored by the Japan Tourism Association is given to organizations that contribute to the promotion of local tourism by promoting "flower tourist attraction creation" projects to create flowery scenic spots and flower landscapes. Tawarayama Shakunage-en was the first organization in Yamaguchi Prefecture to win the grand prize at the 11th "Flower Tourist Attraction Creation Grand Prix" held in 2009! Tetsuo Kanekawa fell in love with a potted rhododendron he came across in a supermarket around 1970 and decided to plant it. Since then, he has continued to plant it steadily in the hills behind his house and in fallow fields, and today the rhododendron garden covers an area of 5 hectares and has more than 30,000 magnificent flowers in 170 varieties. During the blooming season, volunteers sell local products, and after the season, many volunteers participate in the "flower picking" event.