Photos by Yoshihito Morita ()
For many, Japan’s rainy season with its high humidity, high heat, gloomy, wet days, may be one of the worst seasons. But, I like this season because of all the beautiful flowers that bloom during this time. You’ll see many hydrangeas, irises, peonies and lupines bringing vivid colors to counter the drab, overcast weather.
Risokyo Park in Towada City is a short 40-minute drive from Misawa Air Base and is home to a beautiful flower garden perfect for a rainy day activity. Here 200,000 irises, 2,000 peonies and 10,000 lupines flowers will delight you.
In the large garden, there are a lot of rest stations, playground for kids, along with a spacious dog-run. Why not take a photo of yourself with Instagram friendly “dokodemo doa” or anywhere door, in the Garden of Lupines? Just like Doraemon, the pinkish door sure will take you anywhere you want, or to a land filled with beautiful lupines flowers at least.
Drop by a restaurant Riso-tei, housed in a traditional old wooden folk house with straw thatched roof, as it offers tasty soba noodles and various drinks.
These flowers in the garden can be enjoyed until end of June. We are in the gloomy season, yes, but it doesn’t actually rain every day. So, let’s grab our umbrellas and go check out these seasonal beauties in the garden before they’re gone!
Risokyo
Location: 2-10 Karasugamori, Fukamochi, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: High schoolers or older: 700 yen, elementary and middle schoolers: 300 yen
Tel: 0176-27-2516
