Running for over 50 years now, the annual Fukuyama Rose Festival is a celebration of resilience, beauty, and hope. After the destruction that the area weathered after the 1945 atomic bombing, citizens planted 1000 roses in what is now Bara Koen (Rose Park) in an effort to boost people's spirits. This number has grown year upon year, and Fukuyama is often called the "city of roses" nowadays - there are around a million of them across the region to enjoy.
Along with the impressive number of beautiful blooms to admire, the festival also offers a range of rose-themed products available for purchase. There's everything from rose-flavored ice creams through to rose oil infused moisturizers, and even rose-themed jewelry and neckties.
Getting there
The Fukuyama Rose Festival takes place at Bara Koen (Rose Park) and Midoricho Park - they're within a few minutes walk of each other. The closest station is Fukuyama Station, which is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen, the Sanyo Main Line, and the Fukuen Line. The venues are around 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the station, or a 10 minute cab ride.
For those who opt to drive, there are parking lots available on-site, but they do tend to fill up quickly during the peak festival season.
