Rose Gardens?! Cute Places to Visit in Japan This Spring!

Rose gardens are the ultimate spring destination. Their vibrant colors and strong scents make their atmosphere perfect for a fun photoshoot or romantic walk.

While Japan is popular for its sakura spots, it’s also home to equally beautiful rose-themed locations. If you’re hoping to go somewhere with spring florals without the crowds, check out this list of cute places to visit this season. We’ve also included some cherry blossom hubs for our sakura lovers. 

Keisei Rose Garden

Our first stop is for fans of The Rose of Versailles! Since 1959, Keisei Rose Garden has grown and sold roses and rose-flavored products like hand creams. Around 1600 rose varieties, including Gaku no Yume, and companion plants like hydrangeas are on site. Keisei won the 2015 Award of Garden Excellence, so they know their stuff!

The Garden has many romantic spots, including François Juranville Pavilion Dome and Lover’s Sanctuary. TRoV enthusiasts can take pictures with life-sized character cutouts at Berubara Terrace. Keisei also hosts events like the annual Alice’s Blooming Carnival, from early May to mid-June, and strawberry-picking in the winter. Looking to start your own garden? Buy a seedling or two from the Garden Center.

Cherry Blossoms at teamLab Planets

Were your hanami (flower viewing) plans canceled due to rain? teamLab Planets is here to help! Since its opening in 2018, this digital art museum has brought art to life through immersive and interactive experiences that engage all the senses. There are four indoor and two outdoor spaces, all with dazzling light, sound, and color displays that will leave you amazed.  

During the spring, teamLab Planets hosts several sakura-themed versions of its installations. The blossoms are fully displayed in “Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers.” At the same time, they take a backseat to the spectacular colors of “Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity.” Sakura petals also appear in “Worlds Unleashed and Then Connecting” at MoonFlower Sagaya Ginza.

Heidi’s Village at Yamanashi Prefectural Flower Center 

If you grew up watching the 1974 anime Heidi, Girl of the Alps (original designs by Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki), you must visit Heidi’s Village! This theme park faithfully recreates a Swiss village, down to the full-scale buildings and an incredible diorama. And while the tulip and sunflower fields are popular, the rose plants can’t be beaten.

Heidi’s Village claims one of Japan’s longest rose tunnels at around 750 feet (230 meters) long. If this screams “wedding photos” to you, then you’re lucky: the park hosts wedding ceremonies and photoshoots! You can also visit Heidi’s Village during Halloween and Christmas when it’s all lit up. Don’t forget to try the homemade cheese, wine, and goat milk ice cream.

Are you looking for cute accessories for your next spring journey? Check out YumeTwins! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Rose Garden at Kyū-Furukawa Gardens

This is the most beautiful spot on our list! Kyū-Furukawa Gardens was once owned by Baron Toranosuke Furukawa. Josiah Conder designed the mansion and Western garden, while Ogawa Jihei VII designed the Japanese garden. The site opened to the public in 1956 and was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 2006.

The Rose Garden is set in the middle of the hill on which the property is located. About 100 rose varieties, including hybrid teas Princess Michiko and Miss All-American Beauty, are grouped together in geometric shapes. Kyū-Furukawa Gardens sells rose-flavored ice cream and yōkan (sweets made with red bean paste, sugar, and agar). Plan your visit between mid-May and late June for the Spring Rose Festival.

Hangyodon Pop-Up Café

Looking for a cute spot for lunch? Check out this pop-up café for Hangyodon’s 40th anniversary! Sanrio’s half-fish, half-man critter is seriously underrated. His playful sense of humor and fierce loyalty to his friends make him a character who deserves more recognition. Fun fact: Hangyodon was born on March 14th or White Day, one of Japan’s most romantic holidays.

Hangyodon Pop-Up Café’s menu includes Chinese dishes like dim sum, douhua, and sakura-themed parfaits and floats. Souvenirs, including badges, keychains, and extra goodies, if you book ahead, are available. The Tokyo and Nagoya locations are open until April 20th, 2025; the Osaka café is open until April 13th, while the Sapporo one runs until April 13th. Don’t miss it!

Why should I visit cute places like rose gardens this spring? 

Cute places like rose gardens have many beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring. You’ll get many pretty photos, especially if you go somewhere with different structures like the Kyū-Furukawa Gardens.

These locations also host events like festivals, art installations, and pop-up cafés. You’ll have fun while learning something new. Finally, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation of roses. Sakura may be Japan’s favorite spring flower, but roses are just as worthy of attention.

Japan’s rose gardens are underrated compared to sakura hotspots. Places like Keisei Rose Garden lovingly cultivate and share their plants with the world. They also hold events where people can experience nature, art, history, and more. Add these cute spring places to your list if you want somewhere with rose and cherry blossom magic. Have you visited a Japanese rose garden before? Leave your rose-themed recommendations in the comments.