Suigo Itako Iris Park

The Suigo Itako Iris Park is home to the Suigo Itako Iris Festival, a traditional event that takes place annually in Itako from late May to late June. About one million irises of around 500 different varieties are grown on roughly 1.3 hectares of land. When in full bloom, the colorful irises transform the park into a vibrant sea of color. Iiris is the collective name for “ayame,” “kakitsubata” and “hanashobu.” Each flower has its own unique color and pattern, and one way to enjoy them is to look for the subtle differences between them. Some varieties bloom early while others bloom later, allowing you to visit the festival at any time and still enjoy the beautiful iris flowers in full bloom.

Various events are held during the Iris Festival. A traditional Rosen hand-rowed boat service, known as “sappa-bune,” offers scenic rides. Passengers can take in the breathtaking views of Suigo’s blooming irises while enjoying the boatman’s commentary. The festival also revives the “yomeiri-bune” (wedding boat), which was in use until the late 1950s. During the wedding ceremony, a real bride dressed in a white kimono arrives by rowboat to meet her groom. Congratulatory messages surround them and create a warm atmosphere. As night falls, lights illuminate and transform the park. Visitors can immerse themselves in a magical atmosphere that is different from daytime. If you are taking the train, it takes about 3 minutes on foot from Itako Station on the JR Kashima Line. If you are driving, it takes about 10 minutes from the Itako IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway.