Suigo Cho-shi Ayame Garden

Overview

Suigo Cho-shi Ayame Garden is a park located in Cho-shi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, serving as the main venue for the annual Suigo Cho-shi Ayame Matsuri Festival held in June. The garden showcases approximately 1 million irises of about 500 varieties, cultivated from original species that once thrived on the Tone Riverbanks, along with other flowers like Japanese Irises. A vibrant display of white, purple, and yellow blossoms creates a breathtaking scene. The peak blooming season is mid-June, with a truly awe-inspiring sight of the irises in full bloom. During the Ayame Matsuri, you can experience unique events representing local waterside culture, such as the recreation of traditional wedding processions, "Yomeiri-bune" (Cho-shi brides on a boat), "Ayame-odori" (iris dance), and leisurely rowboat rides (ro-bune). The "Yomeiri-bune" recreates a beautifully adorned boat carrying a bride to her groom, offering a glimpse into the region's traditional culture. The "Ayame-odori" is an elegant dance inspired by irises, a beautiful performance blending music and floral beauty. "Cho-shi Bayashi" is traditional music from the Cho-shi area, known for its powerful rhythm and melody. The ro-bune boat ride allows for a relaxing float on the water, providing an opportunity to fully appreciate the scenic beauty of the waterside landscape. Suigo Cho-shi Ayame Garden is a captivating tourist destination offering a mesmerizing display of irises and a rich immersion in the culture of the waterside region. We encourage you to visit.