This article features Ibaraki Prefecture's best spots for viewing flowers.
Enjoy the seasonal beauty of flowers in parks and gardens, such as the nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park, plum blossoms at Kairakuen, azaleas in Kasama, and many more.
While experiencing local nature and culture, discover Japan's picturesque scenery in Ibaraki.

Seasonal Flower Spots to Enjoy Near Tokyo

Ibaraki Prefecture, located near Tokyo, is home to a variety of famous flower spots. Visitors here can see flowers and plants almost year-round.

Hitachi Seaside Park is especially famous; however, there are many other parks and gardens where visitors can enjoy some quiet time amidst nature. In addition to the stunning floral displays, there are also many spots where history and culture remain vibrant.

This article highlights six scenic flower spots in Ibaraki Prefecture that are definitely worth visiting. While many of these spots are easily accessible by public transportation, we recommend renting a car to give you the freedom to explore Ibaraki exactly how you’d like.

1. Hitachi Seaside Park (Hitachi City)

Picture courtesy of Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is one of Ibaraki’s famous sightseeing spots, with an area of about 215 hectares open to the public.

Spring is an especially popular season here, as visitors can enjoy the stunning sight of approximately 5.3 million blue nemophila flowers. From mid-April to early May, the hill in the park is entirely covered in a soft pastel blue that blends seamlessly with the sky.
During this time of year, weekdays tend to be less crowded than holidays, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy the breathtaking sea of blue.

Picture courtesy of Hitachi Seaside Park

On this same hill, approximately 40,000 green kochia bushes gradually begin to change color in early October, turning a vibrant red by mid-October. The sight of these kochia bushes, surrounded by cosmos and buckwheat flowers, is truly breathtaking!
In addition, there are daffodils from late March to mid-April, rapeseed flowers and tulips from mid-April to late April, poppies from mid-May to late May, and many other colorful flowers in full bloom throughout the seasons.

Along with seasonal flowers, there is an amusement area with a large Ferris wheel and various attractions, as well as barbecue areas and cafes. Visitors can explore the vast grounds and enjoy nature by renting a bicycle.

2. Kairakuen Garden (Mito City)

Picture courtesy of Kairakuen

Historic Kairakuen Garden was built in 1842 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the feudal lord of the Mito clan. This domain existed during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and ruled the central and northern parts of present-day Ibaraki Prefecture.
Kairakuen is considered one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan” and is also registered as a Japanese Heritage Site.

The garden also features the restored Kobuntei, Tokugawa’s private villa. Inside the building, there is a modern café.

Picture courtesy of Kairakuen

The garden grounds exude a traditional Japanese atmosphere, and the scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the plum blossoms, which are among the year`s first flowers to bloom. From early February to late March, 3,000 plum trees of 100 different varieties bloom, covering the entire area in a blanket of white and pink and creating a truly spectacular sight.

Coinciding with the blooming season, Mito City holds the popular Mito Plum Festival, which has a history of over 120 years. During the day, visitors can enjoy various activities, including plum wine tasting. In the evening, a special performance is held in Kairakuen, combining illumination with a ‘sea of clouds’—a mist effect that spreads among the plum trees.

3. Ibaraki Flower Park (Ishioka City)

Picture courtesy of Ibaraki Flower Park

Ibaraki Flower Park is a beautiful flower viewing spot near Mt. Tsukuba. One of the park’s highlights is its 900 different varieties of roses. This expansive 30-hectare area features zones such as “Rose Terrace,” “Colored Roses,” “Fragrant Roses,” “Rose Tunnel,” and more. The roses are at their best in spring, from mid-May to early June, and in autumn, from mid-October to mid-November.

There are also 6,000 hydrangeas of 60 varieties blooming from mid-June to early July, 100,000 sunflowers from late June to mid-August, marigolds from October to late November, and other flowers that decorate the park throughout the seasons.
From autumn to winter, the evening illumination creates a magical atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the park at night, beautifully enveloped in gentle lighting.

Picture courtesy of Ibaraki Flower Park

Ibaraki Flower Park offers a wide range of enjoyable activities. Under the title “100 Experiences,” these include various seasonal activities using the flowers from the park, such as wreath making, aroma mist crafting, flower picking, and more.

There’s also a restaurant featuring cuisine using local ingredients, a cafe serving sweets, a shop selling products with a rose theme, and a glamping facility surrounded by cherry blossoms.

4. Kasama Azalea Park (Kasama City)

Picture courtesy of Kasama Tourist Association

Kasama Azalea Park is an attractive spot covering seven hectares. It is home to 8,500 azaleas of 25 varieties, blooming in various colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. From mid-April to early May, the hillsides and walking paths are beautifully adorned with colorful azaleas, making it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll.

The Kasama Azalea Festival is held when the azaleas are in full bloom. Amidst a lively atmosphere, various events are held daily, such as a tea ceremony, and local entertainment, including a traditional Japanese performance with musical accompaniment.

Picture courtesy of Kasama Tourist Association

The walking path within the park takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The park’s summit features an observation deck and green space, making it a perfect place to relax while enjoying a panorama of colorful flowers.

Also, the Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival (Kasama Pottery Market) takes place from April 29 to May 5 in Kasama City, allowing visitors to enjoy it along with their visit to Kasama Azalea Park.

5. Amabiki Kannon Temple (Sakuragawa City)

Picture courtesy of Amabiki Kannon Temple

Amabiki Kannon Temple is a historic, tranquil temple located halfway up Mt. Amabiki.
It is said that the temple was established in 587. At present, it is known as a place visited by many people who pray for a safe childbirth and a happy, harmonious family.

Picture courtesy of Amabiki Kannon Temple

During the rainy season, from early June to late July, the temple grounds are adorned with 5,000 hydrangeas of 100 varieties. These are a delight for the many visitors. Additionally, the sight of carefully pruned hydrangea flowers floating in the temple’s small pond is stunning and resembles a floral carpet.

In addition to hydrangeas, another attractive feature of the park is the traditional Japanese scenery, which changes with the seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. Peacocks, ducks, and goats are also kept in the temple precincts, adding a unique charm to this elegant setting.

6. Suigo-Itako Iris Garden (Itako City)

The beautiful Suigo-Itako Iris Garden, covering about 1.3 hectares, is known for its vibrant and stunning irises. From late May to late June, the Ayame Matsuri (Iris Festival) is held here, featuring around one million irises of 500 varieties in full bloom.

The Ayame Matsuri, in addition to the splendid sight of flowers and the river, also has significant cultural value.

One of the highlights of the festival is an event known as the Bridal Boat, or Yomeiribune. On Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at designated times, a bride in a beautiful traditional white dress (shiromuku) takes a ride in a robune (a traditional wooden sculling oar boat) down the river, accompanied by the couple’s “matchmakers”—a role that has become outdated and is now played by the bride’s relatives or close friends for the event. When the boat reaches the park, the bride and groom reunite, and together, they walk through the park, surrounded by blooming irises.

As the event concludes, visitors to the park will have the opportunity to glimpse the wedding couple as they depart elegantly in a rickshaw. Yomeiribune is a reenactment of an ancient wedding custom in which the bride would travel to the groom’s home in a boat, at the time when Itako City once had many waterways.

Suigo-Itako Iris Garden is open throughout the year, and visitors can also enjoy flowers such as wisteria and hydrangeas.

Let's Enjoy Japan's Beautiful Flowers in Ibaraki Prefecture!

Ibaraki has many other highlights besides the ones mentioned in the article. These include delicate cherry and peach blossoms, gorgeous lotus flowers, sunflowers that lift your spirits, mysterious red spider lilies, and other flowers. There are countless spots to enjoy this impressive floral scenery.

While getting in touch with nature, be sure to explore Ibaraki Prefecture further and discover new hidden gems during your visit!