Top 10 winter flowers to see in Japan

Located off the coast of Tokyo, the island of Izu Oshima, famous for its volcano overlooking Mount Fuji, is home to the Camellia Festival in winter. Held from early February to mid-March, no fewer than 3 million camellias decorate the island during this period. Camellia oil and local produce are on sale at Tsubaki Square in Oshima Park, as are folk dances on weekends.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 〒100-0103 Tokyo, Oshima, Senzu, Fukuju-２-686-1

OPENING HOURS : Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ENTRY: Free

Just an hour from Tokyo, the town of Mito celebrates the annual plum festival. The Kairakuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, is colored pink and white every year from late February to late March. With its 3,000 plum trees, it's the perfect getaway from Tokyo to admire the flowers in winter. During the festival, be sure to visit the food stalls, have a picnic or watch the fireworks in the evening.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1 Chome-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0033

OPENING HOURS: daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m

ADMISSION: free

This garden, located 35 minutes from the center of Nagoya, is bursting with flowers all year round. But it's in winter that it really comes into its own. Indeed, these winter illuminations are among the three most beautiful in Japan. The combination of lights and flowers is a spectacle that will amaze young and old alike.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 漆畑-270 Nagashimacho Komae, Kuwana, Mie 511-1144

HOURS: Daily from 10am to 9pm

ENTRY: Free

This park offers a magnificent view of Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms in early February further enhance this view. In winter and during the cherry blossom season, the park is illuminated at night, highlighting the pink of the petals.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2951 Matsudasoryo, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0003

OPENING HOURS: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ENTRY: Free

In January and February, the peony garden at Ueno blossoms in winter. Although their blooming is more complicated at this time of year, the peonies lose none of their charm and brilliant colors. To protect them from the cold and snow, straw hats are even installed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007

OPENING HOURS: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: 800 yen

This exceptional garden, one of the three most beautiful in the country, is located opposite Okayama Castle. It offers a wide variety of flowers all year round. In winter, take a stroll and admire the camellias, daffodils and plum trees. You won't regret it!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama, 703-8257

OPENING HOURS: Daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: 500 yen

From February onwards, you'll find adonis ramosa in the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. This yellow winter flower is on the verge of extinction. It symbolizes happiness and was offered in the Edo era to bring joy into the home.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823

HOURS: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: 500 yen

This park in Nagasaki is home to several varieties of Japanese daffodils every winter. These flowers were introduced from China during the Muromachi period and are a Japanese winter staple. They are mainly found in the south of the country.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Nomomachi, Nagasaki, 851-0505

OPENING HOURS: Daily, 24 hours a day

ENTRY: Free

Awaji Island is a must for all flower lovers. It offers year-round expanses of color, overlooking Osaka Bay. In winter, you'll find wallflowers, Japanese narcissi, camellias and daffodils.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2805-7 Kusumoto, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2301

OPENING HOURS: Daily except Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ENTRY: Free