Rhododendron indicum along the Kumano-gawa River(Kumano-gawa-no Satsuki)

熊野川のサツキ

A few red flowers along the Kumano-gawa River

From May to early July, Rhododendron indicum (called “satsuki” in Japanese) produces vivid red flowers along both sides of the Kumano-gawa River. From the boat, you can also get a close-up view of this plant that grows on Mifune-jima Island, where Kumano Gongen (the major deity of Kumano) is said to have appeared.

Information

Root
Kumanogawa Kumano-gawa River Traditional Boat Tour Center (Kawabune Center) > Gongen Gawara
Municipality
Shingu City
Area
Funada, Kiho-cho, Minami Muro-gun, Mie Prefecture
Season / Time zone
Summer(May - July) / Daytime
Weather conditions
Sunny Cloudy
Frequency of appearance
According to seasons

Access

Get on the Kumano Kotsu Bus at a stop near JR Shingu Station or Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, and get off at “Michi-no-Eki Kumano-gawa”[道の駅熊野川] stop. Then, board a river boat (kawabune) from the Kumano-gawa River Traditional Boat Tour Center (Kawabune Center).    

Recommended spot

Kumano-gawa River Traditional Boat Tour Center (Kawabune Center) > Gongen Gawara