Ibaraki's Prefectural Flower: The Rose

Introducing the prefectural flower on this, Ibaraki Prefecture Day. When people picture Ibaraki Prefecture, rolling blue nemophila hills or scarlet bushes of kochia usually come to mind first. Yet, since 1966, Ibaraki’s official prefectural flower has actually been the classic, vibrant rose (bara).

Chosen to symbolize the prefecture’s bright future, passion, and steady growth, the rose was selected after an overwhelming wave of support from local residents. While roses thrive in gardens across the region, their true showcase is Ibaraki Flower Park in Ishioka City. Nestled at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, this sprawling botanical park bursts into color twice a year, in early summer and autumn, displaying roughly 900 varieties of roses in every imaginable shade and fragrance.

Celebrating Ibaraki Prefectural Day on November 13th is the perfect excuse to appreciate this unexpectedly romantic side of the prefecture. Whether strolling through rose tunnels in Ishioka or spotting blooms in neighborhood parks, Ibaraki’s floral emblem is a colorful reminder of the region's natural beauty.

Have you ever been to Ibaraki Flower Park?