Cactus Day and Japan's Cactus Shrine.

Today, March 10th, is Cactus Day サボテンの日 (saboten no hi). The day was established by Gikouen, a major cactus grower based in Mizuho City, Gifu Prefecture, known for operating one of the largest cactus cultivation facilities in the world. Their vast growing complex includes ten glass greenhouses and 150 pipe houses stretching a remarkable 15 kilometers in total.

The date also aligns with the natural rhythm of the plants themselves: many cacti begin to bloom in March, revealing vivid flowers that contrast beautifully with their sculptural forms . Gikouen hopes the day will encourage more people to appreciate the diversity, resilience, and quiet beauty of cacti and other succulents.

Visitors to the facility can even stop by the charming “Cactus Shrine,” where people make wishes and enjoy the playful atmosphere surrounding these unusual plants. They are a fascinating plant that seem to be much more popular in Japan than in my home country (Ireland), where they have a somewhat poor image. Are cacti popular in your home country?