Guide
Located in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, "Hebanosa: Village of Flowers and History" is a historic Japanese garden established during the late Meiji era. The garden is designed to showcase different botanical beauties each season, creating a space where nature and history are seamlessly intertwined. A centerpiece of the site is the "Hebanosa Goten," a magnificent villa perched on a hill overlooking a pond. This structure is a precious remnant of the architectural styles of its time. The harmony between the fragrant seasonal plants and the historic buildings creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
The history of this site dates back to the late Me Meiji era. It was originally developed by the father-and-son duo Ito Yasu and Ito Nobori, who were both wealthy landowners and influential political figures. Opened in 1899 (Meiji 32), it was once known as the "Hebanosa Yurakuen" (Hebanosa Pleasure Garden). The construction of the Hebanosa Goten took an incredible 10 years to complete. Due to its immense historical and architectural value, the villa was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1996. The name "Hebanosa" itself is steeped in local lore, with theories ranging from legends of battles during the late Heian period to descriptions of the local topography.
The garden features a rotating cast of seasonal flora. A major highlight is the rose garden, which boasts approximately 400 rose bushes. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a diverse palette of colors from cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, water lilies, peonies, wisteria, and tulips. The architectural beauty of the Hebanosa Goten is equally captivating. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings on the entrance eaves and the exquisite screen paintings (shobyo-ga) by artists such as Kano-ha masters Hida Shuzan and Katsuta Kyoshin, as well as calligraphy by the statesman Ito Hirobumi. The view of the pond from the elevated villa is a quintessential part of the experience.
The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring, the garden is adorned with cherry blossoms, tulips, peonies, and wisteria. Early summer brings a vibrant display of roses, hydrangeas, and water lilies. In summer, enjoy the lush greenery and hydrangeas, while autumn offers stunning foliage. To fully appreciate the garden, we recommend timing your visit with these blooming periods. Visiting during bright daylight hours is ideal for seeing the intricate details of the architecture and the vivid colors of the flowers. Please note that opening hours may vary by season, so checking ahead is advised.
Visitors can enjoy dining amidst nature within the garden grounds. From April to September, the "Flower Viewing BBQ Set" (3,500 JPY per person) is available, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free barbecue experience. There are also options for bringing your own food for indoor or outdoor BBQ sessions (see pricing for details). Please note that all BBQ plans require a telephone reservation at least 5 days in advance. The garden also serves as a beautiful photographic spot, featuring artistic rose displays designed by professional gardening planners.
Hebanosa is situated in a lush, natural area of Motomiya. It is conveniently located near the Adatara Service Area (downbound) on the Tohoku Expressway, which is about a 10-minute drive or a short walk away. This makes it an easy addition to a Fukushima sightseeing itinerary. For those using public transport, there are options such as the "One-Coin Taxi" service from Motomiya Station.
Since the garden involves walking around hills and the pond perimeter, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Please dress according to the season. Regarding payment, cash is recommended if you plan to use services like the BBQ sets. While the official website offers English, Korean, and Chinese pages, please check the availability of English-speaking staff on-site. For any menu requiring reservations (like BBQ), please contact them by phone in advance. To protect the cultural properties and plants, please follow all garden etiquette and respect the environment.