Flowers : Iwate Prefecture

Hydrangeas of Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (Ichinoseki City) For the month beginning in late June, hydrangeas bloom brightly in the cedar forests of Ichinoseki. Stroll 1.5 km of walking paths and enjoy 20,000 flowers representing 200 varieties of hydrangea. Dates: Late Jun – Late Jul Access: 20 mins by bus from Ichinoseki Sta, then 5 mins on foot Information: Michinoku Hydrangea Garden 0191-28-2349

Hanamaki Hot Spring Rose Garden - Roses (Hanamaki City) On a south-facing slope overlooking Hanamaki Hot Spring is one of Tohoku's best rose gardens. With 450 varieties of roses totaling over 6,000 individual plants, visitors as late as October can still enjoy some floral fun. Within grounds of more than 1.5-km2, there is also a greenhouse selling various seedlings to enjoy in the comfort of your own garden. Peak Season: Early Jun - early Jul Access: 10 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Hanamaki IC Information: Hanamaki Onsen Co., Ltd. 0198-37-2111

Motsuji Iris Garden - Irises (Hiraizumi Town) With a half century of history and flowers donated by iris lovers from all over Japan (including Tokyo's famous Meiji Shrine) this garden now boasts an impressive 30,000 plants representing 300 varieties. Motsuji's Iris Festival is held every year to coincide with their blooming. Motsuji Iris Festival: Jun 20 (Fri) -Jul 6 (Sun) Access: 8 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Hiraizumi-Maesawa IC Information: Motsuji Temple Office 0191-46-2331