2025 Suigo Shihoroi Iris Festival, Shihoroi, Ibaraki
The Suigo Shihoroi Iris Festival is a famous event that attracts about 700,000 visitors every year. The Suigo Shihoroi Iris Festival attracts about 700,000 visitors every year. 2025 Suigo Shihoroi Iris Festival, Shihoroi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
| Holding period | Friday, May 23 – Sunday, June 22, 2025 |
| Business Hours | The venue is always open |
| admission fee | Free *Robune boarding fee Adults: 1300 yen, elementary school students: 700 yen, children under elementary school age: free |
| Location | Suigo Shihorai Iris Garden 1-5 Iris, Shihorai, Ibaraki |
| Access | Train] 3 min. walk from “Ushiolo Station” of JR Kashima Line [Bus] Take a highway bus bound for “Kashima Jingu” or “Art Hotel Kashima Central Hotel” from Yaesu South Exit 1 of Tokyo Station and get off at “Suigo Ushiolo Bus Terminal” (about 70 min. ride) [Car] 7 min. from “Ushiolo IC” of Higashi Kanto Expressway Free Parking Lot Approx. 500 cars |
2025 Suigo Ushioi Iris Festival Overview
Suigo Shihorai Iris Garden is a traditional event that has continued since 1952.
Every year in early summer, as many as 1 million irises of about 500 varieties bloom in profusion, floating on the surface of the water. Walking along the promenade that winds through the vast iris fields, the flowers swaying in the river breeze follow your gaze, and you will be enveloped in a tranquil feeling as if you were in a painting of the Suigo district.
During this period, visitors can board a hand-paddled “ro-bune” from the river’s edge and enjoy a daily tour through the irises. The view from the boat is exceptional, with the blue sky and green leaves interspersed with bright purple, white, and yellow irises reflected on the surface of the water. The swaying of the boat and the murmuring of the water make for a pleasant experience.
Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival period, a bride boat is also held. You can observe the traditional custom of bride boats up close. Please enjoy the exciting tradition of Ushiori.
During the festival, the promenade and bridges over the Maegawa River are lit up from sunset to 22:00, creating an ethereal scene different from that of the daytime. Iris petals swaying in the night breeze float in the soft light, looking like jewels scattered on the surface of the water. The night view of Suigo is a fantastical nightscape that is a world apart from the daytime blooming.
Visitors can enjoy the simple, rustic flavors of Suigo, such as Ushiori vegetables, ajiman, dumplings, and yakisoba (fried noodles) at the entrance to the park and at rest areas. After filling their hearts with iris viewing, visitors can quench their thirst with cold local delicacies and further enjoy the atmosphere of Ushioji.
- The most impressive volume: About 500 varieties and 1 million various irises bloom all over the area, filling the suigo with a colorful gradation of colors.
- Only in Ushioi can you enjoy this tour! Rowboat Sightseeing A rowboat takes visitors on a leisurely cruise along the surface of the river in the iris blossoms. You can enjoy the unique experience of seeing the flowers blooming just along the shore from the boat.
- The moving bride boats unique to Suigo The photogenic and moving tradition created by the traditional bride boats carrying brides is a must-see.
- The nightly illumination is also popular. The park and the bridge over the Maegawa River are illuminated, and the petals of irises blown by the night wind float in the darkness, creating a fantastic scene.
- Free admission and free parking for easy accessibility. 3-minute walk from JR Ushioji Station, 7-minute drive from Ushioji Interchange. Both admission and parking are free, and the park is easy to access.
- Near the venue is Michi no Eki Itako, a spacious roadside station where you can buy local gourmet foods, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs.
- Reservations cannot be made for the Rofune. Please note that it is crowded on weekends.
- During the peak viewing period on weekends, the Ushioi IC and Ushioi Station area are prone to traffic congestion, so public transportation is recommended.
Contents may be suspended or changed due to weather or other reasons.
Please check the official website and official X for the latest information before visiting.
For more information, please visit the official website