Mifuneyama Rakuen is a place located in Saga Prefecture. ‘Rakuen’ translates to Paradise, and it certainly lives up to its name. This vast garden boasts seasonal flowers and deciduous trees, with a large pond not far from the entrance. On one side of the pond, you’ll find a traditional cafe serving classic Japanese sweets and renowned green tea – a delightful spot to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Among the many natural wonders, you’ll also encounter enchanting Wisteria flowers. What sets this place apart, however, is the captivating light exhibition or projection mapping, a creation of the renowned TeamLab artists. It’s a true paradise for the senses!
Entrance Fee
Mifuneyama Park:
- Adult: 600 円
- High school: 600 円
- Elementary: 300 円
TeamLab:
- Adult: 600 円
- High school: 600 円
- Elementary: 300 円
Take note, prices may vary according to the season.
Team Lab in Mifuneyama Rakuen
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a popular tourist destination, complete with its own hotel – the Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel. This is where you’ll find the mesmerizing light exhibits, with a nightly project mapping as the main attraction. This experience transforms the expansive garden into an entirely different world. While we didn’t stay overnight, I can’t share that experience, but I do have some indoor exhibits featuring artworks created by TeamLab to enjoy.
1st artwork
As you open the door to enter the hotel, this array of lights welcome you. I have to say that the moment I entered this area, I was mystified. I bet you would, too. You may want to stay longer here and order some foods and drinks while enjoying the atmosphere as the colors change.
2nd artwork
The photo shows a brighter image but in reality, it’s pretty dimmed. It’s dark that I couldn’t even make out someone’s face. That said, I saw some people with their mobile phones’ flashlights on. My husband and I on the other hand, just wanted the dimmed atmosphere because that’s the point of this art. Don’t you think so?
3rd artwork
This looks like an indoor projection mapping experience. It’s quite unique, especially considering I’ve mainly seen these done outdoors, such as at Disneyland and Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki. The room even features water pools, so you have to be a little cautious not to take an unexpected plunge. The vibrant colors could make the water’s depth a bit tricky to gauge, but it doesn’t seem to be a significant concern, as the pools appear to be shallow.
4th artwork
These high blocks are composed of LED screens displaying different designs and graphics. From time to time, the graphics change.
Alright! That’s it for the indoor exhibits. Now, let’s talk about the outdoors.
What to see in Mifuneyama Rakuen
As mentioned in the beginning of this post, there’s a traditional cafe by the pond. You may unwind here before or after exploring the vast garden.
On the right side, Wisteria flowers, Fuji in Japanese, make your relaxation so much better as you watch them dance with the wind.
If you walk further to the heart of the garden, a wide area of Tsutsuji or Japanese Azaleas with a backdrop of a mountain awaits you.
The area is home to different kinds of flowers but this corner is the highlight. When it’s autumn, on the other hand, the Momiji or Maple is the queen.
Before I forget, COVID Protocols are observed at this place. Check out their website for more information.
I really want to visit Japan so bad
Please visit! It’ll be worth it.:)
Yes, of course ✅