Local Trip Info offered by
Washington Hotel and Hotel Gracery

Rainbow Blooms: Fukushima’s Rainy Season Flower Spots with Poppies, Hydrangeas, and Irises

During the rainy season, cloudy skies tend to persist, which can lead to a feeling of melancholy. However, it is precisely during such times that you should consider refreshing yourself by admiring the vibrant and blooming flowers in various colors. Flowers have the power to soothe and relax people. By looking at it, you may feel refreshed. We are introducing three noteworthy spots in the nature-rich Fukushima Prefecture, where there are many flower fields. Enjoy the beauty of magnificent flowers such as poppies, hydrangeas, and irises, which are in full bloom during the rainy season, and refresh yourself.

Mesmerizing Flower Fields! Refresh Yourself Surrounded by Seasonal Flowers and Herbs at “Inawashiro Herb Garden”

猪苗代ハーブ園(Inawashiro Herb Garden)
Photo by @tae_11o5n

Inawashiro Herb Garden has a diverse selection of herbs and flowers planted in spacious areas. You can enjoy the fragrance of flowers and herbs in all seasons while finding peace and relaxation. Speaking of Inawashiro Herb Garden, the indoor limited-time event called “Umbrella Sky” is famous, but there are still many other attractions to discover. In particular, we recommend the poppy and lavender fields, which are at their best in June and July. The vibrant and lively sight of colorful flowers blooming brightly all over the landscape is breathtaking! Why not take a picture that stands out against the backdrop of a flower field? In midsummer, sunflower fields also appear. Within the enchanting herb garden, you’ll discover delightful cafes and restaurants offering delicious dishes and herbal teas. Let’s refresh your body and mind while surrounded by beautiful nature and the aroma of herbs.

HoursWeekdays 10:00AM-4:00PM / Weekends and holidays 10:00AM-5:00PM
AddressListel Park, Kawageta, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access-A 30-minute drive from Aizu Wakamatsu Washington Hotel
-From JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (a 2-minute walk from Aizu Wakamatsu Washington Hotel), take the Ban-Etsu-Nishi Line to Kawageta Station with a 35-minute ride, then an 18-minute walk from Kawageta Station
-A 40-minute drive from the Koriyama Washington Hotel
URLhttps://www.listel-inawashiro.jp/green_season/herb.php

“Jupialand Hirata”: Experience the World’s Largest Collection of Hydrangea Varieties, Approved by Guinness World Records!

ジュピアランドひらた(Jupialand Hirata)
Photo by @appleknkou

Many people may immediately think of hydrangeas during the Japanese rainy season. While Japan boasts numerous renowned hydrangea spots, Jupialand Hirata shines as an exceptional destination. It offers an extensive collection of the world’s variety of hydrangea species. Capture the beauty of the blooming hydrangeas in various colors of pink, purple, blue, and white, which Guinness World Records have even registered. There are rare and unique varieties you may have never seen before. Therefore, it could be fun to explore and discover these lovely flowers. The garden is spacious, so we recommend wearing sneakers for a comfortable stroll. However, if walking is difficult, electric carts (for a fee) are available for your convenience. And don’t forget to take your time to capture stunning photos at the photo spots placed throughout the garden. Why not spend a peaceful and relaxing moment strolling through the hydrangeas?

Hours8:30AM-5:00PM (Closed: irregular holidays such as Bon vacation, and New Year’s holidays)
Address116, Aza-Kirita, Oaza-Nagata, Hirata-mura, Ishikawa-gun, Fukushima Prefectire
AccessA 40-minute drive from Koriyama Washington Hotel
URLhttps://www.vill.hirata.fukushima.jp/site/jupialand/

Welcome to “Isasumi Shrine,” a Must-Visit Iris Garden in Tohoku, and Harmonious Beauty of Flowers by the Water’s Edge

伊佐須美神社あやめ苑(Isasumi Shrine  Iris Garden)
Photo by @pekoyukitty

Within the expansive grounds of Isasumi Shrine, which boasts a history of over 2,000 years, you will find the “Aizu Misatomachi Iris Garden.” This strolling garden has over 100,000 irises, including more than 150 species, such as Kakitsubata (Japanese iris) and Northern Flags. Moreover, it is known as one of the largest in Tohoku and is immensely popular, attracting over 300,000 visitors during the peak season. These irises start to reach their peak beauty around mid-June. From June 15th to July 5th, the “Iris Festival” will be held, and the occasional illumination will take us into more fantastic worlds. Please take a moment to enjoy the graceful appearance of the numerous irises that bloom around the pond.

Hours(Reception Hours) 9:00AM-4:00PM
Address4377 Miyabayashi-kou, Aizu Misato-machi, Onuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access  -A 25-minute drive from the Aizu Wakamatsu Washington Hotel
-From Wakamatsu Ekimae Bus Terminal (a 2-minute walk from Aizu Wakamatsu Washington Hotel), take the bus bound for Nagaino and a 40-minute ride, get off at Yokomachi Stop, then a 3-minute walk from the bus stop
URLhttps://isasumi.or.jp/index.html

Base of this trip