Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
According to the weather report, the rainy season has made its way to the Kanto Plain.
Although the season brings us constant gray skies and showers for nearly two months, various beautiful flowers, such as iris and hydrangea, begin to bloom and put an attractive spin on the season.
Currently, Iris Park in Katori City is full of 400 different types and over 1.5 million iris flowers in total. The park, full of white, pink, violet and blue iris flowers, is great to stroll through. The park is also has ponds and bridges to add to the views. You can even hop on a traditional boat to enjoy the flowers on water, as well.
Peak flower viewing season at the park lasts until end of June, so, why not visit the park and enjoy attraction that the comes every rainy season?
There are several souvenir shops within the garden where you can purchase flowers and local foods and sweets.
The park is fairly accessible from any of the bases in Kanto Plain via the Daiei IC of Higashi Kanto Expressway.
Once you get your fill of the flowers, there are also many must-see attractions located nearby the park. Be sure to drop by the old town of Sawara, which is filled with old traditional townhouses along the river. You can also visit Katori Shrine, known as one of the most majestic Shinto shrines in the area.
Suigo Sawara Ayame Park
Location: 1837-2, Ogishima, Katori City, Chiba Pref. Hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Admission: 800 yen ($7), middle and elementary schoolers 400 yen URL: www.city.katori.lg.jp/ Tel: 0478-56-0411
