Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
 

May and June mark the blooming season of Japanese irises, and Ibaraki Prefecture hosts the "Suijo Itako Iris Festival" in celebration. In addition to seeing over five hundred varieties and one million irises swaying in full bloom, the local area also features a series of traditional dance performances and the "Itako Bride Boat" event. Beyond flower viewing, visitors can deeply immerse themselves in rich Japanese culture. The festival attracts over 800,000 visitors every year!

The Ibaraki Suijo Itako Iris Festival has a long-standing tradition, having been held since 1952—over 60 years ago. It originally began when locals who loved irises and Japanese irises started placing flowers in beer bottles, and over time evolved into a renowned local festival. At the Suijo Itako Iris Garden, you can see Japan’s largest variety of irises—500 types—with up to one million blooms of Japanese irises in full splendor. Along the paths, purple, white, pink, blue, and other colorful blossoms create a stunning sight.

During the festival, aside from admiring the beautiful iris fields from the shore, you can also take a ride on a small boat called a sabani to enjoy the scenery. The view of the irises from the water offers a unique kind of beauty. There are also many activities that can only be experienced in Suijo, such as the Itako Bride Boat and iris dance performances, attracting over 800,000 visitors each year to enjoy the charm of the water town. The 2015 Suijo Itako Iris Festival was held from May 23 to June 28, with the best viewing period around June 10.