Kumamoto

<p>A number of irises bloom in the ponds of the Shohinken in Yatsushiro</p>

A number of irises bloom in the ponds of the Shohinken in Yatsushiro (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Kumamoto

Irises at Shohinken

Rainy season blooms at Yatsushiro's traditional garden

Mandy Bartok Jun 04, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A number of irises bloom in the ponds of the Shohinken in Yatsushiro</p>

<p>The teahouse makes a beautiful backdrop for the purple flowers</p>

<p>The iris that is grown in the garden is a local variety called the "higoshobu" or Higo iris</p>

<p>The irises grow in both the front and back ponds</p>

<p>Other purple flowers were also in bloom on the day I visited</p>

<p>There are even irises in the small waterway that rings the exterior of the garden</p>

The traditional garden at Yatsushiro's Shohinken is a lovely sight any time of year, but the grounds really sparkle in the weeks of late May and early June, when irises throng the numerous ponds. The purple flowers are actually a regional species, known as the Higo iris (Higo being the former name for the domain in which Yatsushiro is located). Special events and tea ceremonies take place at the Shohinken on weekends in iris season but most visitors will find it satisfying enough to simply wander the paths of the garden and enjoy the beautiful blooms.

Drivers should see the related article on Shohinken for parking information.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.