Hana-Shobu (Japanese Iris) Festival

“Man’yo-shu” (The Anthology of Myriad Leaves), the oldest collection of Japanese poetry, is still loved by Japanese people because it contains many poems that simply express true feelings and rich emotions. Man’yo Park, named after “Man’yo-shu,” is a place where visitors can enjoy seeing plants and flowers that appear in the anthology of poetry, together with monuments engraved with poems. In spring, visitors can enjoy seeing many Japanese flowers, including plum blossoms and cherry blossoms (Kawazu cherry trees). In June, some 1,700 Japanese irises (Hana-Shobu) of 38 varieties bloom. Various events to enjoy irises in bloom are held, including Japanese traditional tea ceremonies.