Ie-jima Hibiscus Garden

Tropical, colorful blooms on the "Island of Flowers"

Peter Sidell May 27, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The different colors on one flower are quite striking</p>

<p>Bright pink to attract generously pollinating bees</p>

<p>There are a lot of different but vibrant colors</p>

<p>There's a spacious lawn outside the greenhouses, dotted with trees and shrubs</p>

<p>Some flowers compete with softer shades</p>

<p>Some flowers have more delicate petals than others</p>

<p>It was a hot, bright tropical day when I visited</p>

<p>There are some flowers in the bushes outside</p>

<p>This isn't actually in the garden, but I passed it on the walk there from my guesthouse</p>

Just off the western coast of Okinawa's main island, Ie-jima styles itself as an "Island of Flowers", and it certainly lives up to the name. There's an annual lily festival and towards the eastern end of the island there's a Hibiscus Garden, a very tranquil place to stroll around. There are dozens of different species of brightly colorful flowers around the garden and in its greenhouses, and the serenely turning blades of nearby wind turbines just add to the peaceful atmosphere.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.