Iris Gardens in Tokyo – A Must See in June

Mid June marks the peak blooming season for irises, or shobu, in Tokyo.  This is one of my favorite flowers and I always take some time to fit in a visit to an iris garden this time of year.  Here are just of few of the Gardens in Tokyo where you can see these beautiful blooms:

• Meiji Jingu Shrine – The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 6 p.m. on Sat. & Sun.). Admission:¥500.  Closest Station: Harajuku (Yamanote Line) or Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Sta.
• Horikiri Shobuen Garden –  The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Admission is free.  Closest Station:  10 minute walk from Horikiri-Shobuen Station
• Mizumoto Koen Park – The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk.  Admission is free.  Directions: South Exit of Kanamachi Sta. From there, 10-15 min. by bus to Mizumoto Koen Bus Stop, and then a 7 min walk.

The Meiji Jingu garden, pictured above, is my favorite.  Thousands of irises meander along a creek bed that seems to go on forever.  There are many benches and a snack-shop in the garden where you can pause to take in the view.

Photo Credit, Flickr, IMG_6740