1. What is Higashizawa Rose Park? A rose paradise boasting the largest area in Tohoku.

Higashizawa Rose Park is the largest rose garden in the Tohoku region, boasting an area of approximately 7 hectares.

Within the garden, approximately 20,000 rose bushes of about 750 varieties, collected from all over the world, bloom in profusion.

The sheer number and scale of the roses truly make it a “paradise of roses.”

This park has a long history, and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026.

In 2001, it became the only rose garden in Japan to be designated one of the “100 Selected Fragrant Landscapes” by the Ministry of the Environment.

The garden offers many attractions, including the “Imperial Rose Zone” featuring roses associated with the Imperial family, the “Classic Garden” showcasing old roses, and arches of climbing roses.

Since it’s quite large, I recommend taking your time and exploring with a map in hand.

2. Spring Rose Festival 2026 Edition

At Higashizawa Rose Park, the Rose Festival is held in early summer when the roses are in full bloom.

In 2026, it will run from May 29 (Fri.) to July 5 (Sun.).

As it coincided with the 70th anniversary of its opening, the festival was more spectacular than ever.

This Rose Festival isn’t just about looking at roses.

During this period, there will be a packed schedule of events, especially on weekends!

On June 6th, the day we visited for the interview, a “Folk Song Gathering” was being held on the lawn, and the park was very lively.

Food trucks will also be present every weekend.

One of the joys of a festival is that the events you can experience change depending on the day you visit.

Please check your schedule before you go out.

3. The garden is a gorgeous space enveloped in the scent of roses.

Now, let’s start walking around the park!

First, you purchase an admission ticket at the entrance.

Here’s the view after you pass through the gate!

Under a blue sky, a rose field stretches across the gentle hillside.

You can see the Rose Dome at the end of the straight road.

This view alone made me think, “It was totally worth coming!”

There’s also the first photo spot right after you enter the gate, so don’t forget to take a picture!

As you proceed a little further, you’ll be greeted by the “Rose Dome,” one of the park’s symbols.

As I walk along, my eyes are drawn to each and every Variety.

There were truly a wide variety of roses blooming in the garden.

A pink rose with plump, overlapping petals.

A vibrant yellow rose, as if it has gathered all the sunlight.

And then there was this rather unusual, gentle purple rose.

Each variety has a different appearance and fragrance, and comparing them as you walk around is one of the unique pleasures of Higashizawa Rose Park.

As I walked along, searching for my favorite single flower, time flew by in an instant.

By the way, this is what I found most appealing.

The name was lovely too.

“Rose Bell,” a sanctuary for lovers, is located at the back of the park.

It is said that couples who ring this together will find happiness.

If you’re visiting the park with your significant other or spouse, be sure to give it a try!

4. Rose Exchange Hall offers limited-edition rose-themed food.

After strolling around the park and getting a little tired, take a break at the Rose Exchange Hall.

At Koi Suru Rose Cafe (Rose Café), you can enjoy original, limited-edition menu items from the rose garden.

Looking at the menu at the entrance, it’s all about roses!

Signature menu items include Rosemary Rose Parfait (produced by Tsuki no Sekai in Murayama City) , Rosemary Rose One Plate , Rose Soft Serve, and Rose Parfait.

The drinks menu also features a rose-themed lineup, including Rose Cider and Rosehip Tea.

While the menu is certainly appealing, the best treat at this café might just be the view.

Please take a look here!

From the terrace seating on the second floor, you can look down on the garden where the roses are in bloom.

Enjoying sweets while gazing at flowers was a truly special experience.

This time, I ordered the “Roses in Love One-Plate Meal” and the “Rose Parfait,” both recommended by the staff.

The “Rose Parfait” is adorable to look at, with a rose-shaped monaka (a type of Japanese sweet) perched on top of soft-serve ice cream!

When you bring it to your mouth, the gentle sweetness of milk is followed by a soft rose fragrance.

The “Roses in Love One-Plate Meal” also features a lovely arrangement of jelly and cake made with rose syrup, making it a truly satisfying dish that can be enjoyed both visually and gastronomically!

Each one had a different rose flavor that added a wonderful accent, making them absolutely delicious.

At the Rose Exchange Center, you can also see an exhibit showcasing the exchange between Murayama City and Bulgaria.

Murayama City was a “host town” that hosted the Bulgarian rhythmic gymnastics team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Because of that connection, we continue to have various exchanges even now.

The exhibition room displayed Bulgarian traditional costumes and items related to rhythmic gymnastics, showcasing the history of friendship between Murayama City and Bulgaria.

Please be sure to check this out as well.

* The Rose Exchange Hall is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, except during the Rose Festival.

5. Adult-friendly activities for children! Rose horse carriage area, pony feeding experience, etc.

Higashizawa Rose Park is a great spot for families with children.

Among them, the most popular among adults is the cute Rose Horse Carriage Area decorated with flowers!

Take a leisurely stroll through the rose-filled gardens in a horse carriage area, pulled slowly by a pony.

Riding in the flower-filled horse carriage area under the blue sky will surely create unforgettable memories.

The children were thrilled to have the opportunity to feed treats to the ponies.

Seeing them tentatively reach out their hands warmed my heart.

*Please note that pony petting experiences and the horse carriage area will only be available on specific days during the Rose Festival. Check the official website for the schedule before you go.

A children’s playground has also been built next to the rose garden.

One of the charms of Higashizawa Rose Park is that both adults who want to admire the roses and children who want to play to their heart’s content can enjoy themselves at their own pace.

6. Don't forget souvenirs!

And of course, the last stop is souvenir shopping!

Be sure to check out the shop located right next to the entrance!

Lots of rose-themed items that make perfect souvenirs!

The selection of rose-flavored products, including rose jam, jelly, rose water, and rose candy, is a delight to browse.

* The concession stand is only open during the Rose Festival.

7. Basic Information

🌹Rose Festival Period
Opening hours
9:00~17:00
Autumn Rose Festival Period: 9:00~16:00
*These are the hours for the park’s shops and other facilities.
*The park is open to visitors even after 17:00.

Closed
Rose Exchange Hall : Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, except during the Rose Festival when it is open every day)
Shop: Open only during the Rose Festival.

Closed for winter season from November to March.

Admission Fee
Outside of the Rose Festival period : Free
Rose Festival period : Adults 600 yen, Elementary & junior high school students 300 yen

During the Rose Festival, the park’s parking lots can become completely full.

Parking Lots 2 and 3 will also be available, so please follow the instructions of the parking attendants.

A free shuttle bus is available to the rose garden.