Kirigo peony is designated as a protected species by Saga Prefecture. It grows in “Botan to Midori no Oka (peony garden)” in Hizen-cho, Karatsu City. On first glance it looks as if dozens of peonies bloom together, but actually a multitude of branches are growing out of only one stock. You will be stuck with wonder to see it. Legend has it that about 400 years ago Kensuke Ide, a vassal of the local feudal lord, Hata Mikawanokami, who had been lost by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, found a peony blooming brightly in the castle ruin. He brought it back to Kirigo village and grew it with care. This stock of peony had been grown carefully by the hand of Ide family from generation to generation. It still produces as many as 500 blossoms. It is at its best in December, when you can enjoy seeing the same beautiful blossoms that the feudal lord must have enjoyed in his castle garden.