Japan is well-known for its beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the year. If you’re interested in seeing a different type of flower beyond the cherry blossoms that Japan is recognized for, head to the Yokosuka Iris Garden.
If you’ve never seen an Iris before, they are gorgeous flowers that come in an array of colors ranging from blue to white and even purple. They can be viewed in huge fields here. When I say there are a lot of irises here, I’m not kidding. The garden boasts an impressive 140,000 irises throughout the premises.
412 different types of irises can be found here, so you’re sure to see all the different colors.
When you arrive at Yokosuka, there is a relaxed vibe as the greenery surrounds you. You’ll feel a sense of peace all around the garden. If you’re seeking a tranquil environment, this is a great spot to renew your energy and destress.
How do you get here from Yokosuka Base?
There are a few ways you can travel from the Yokosuka Base to Yokosuka Iris Garden. The first is by a bike ride. It’s only about a 32-minute bike ride from the base to the gardens. You’ll pass a few schools on the way there, and then you’ll be at your destination. The total ride is about 7 km (8-9km if you take alternative/ longer routes).
If you aren’t big on bike riding, you can also take a bus to get to the Yokosuka Garden. Then, walk or grab a ride to the Yokosuka Station. If you elect to walk, it is a bit longer and will take you about 45 minutes from the base.
Once you get to Yokosuka Station, grab a bus to the Shobuen bus stop. This will drop you off right near the gardens, so you’ll only have to walk 1-2 more minutes before arriving at your final destination.
For those that have their car with them, you can drive to the Yokosuka Garden. This is by far the quickest way to get here. It will only take about 13 minutes by car. Parking is available onsite for a fee.
When is the best time to visit to see the flowers?
The end of April to the beginning of May is the best time to see the flowers. However, you’ll still be able to find beautiful flowers throughout the year of other varieties like tulips.
Additional information:
If you’re visiting during peak season (April – June), expect to pay a 320 yen entrance fee. 100 yen for younger children. For the rest of the year, there is no entrance fee.
If you are still working on your Japanese, there is at least one worker here who spoke English. We met him at our last visit.
Covid Safety Precautions:
Some changes occurred during covid to keep an eye out for. Usually, you can buy a ticket right at the entrance. However, when we visited, there was a ticket booth instead, most likely to help provide distance between visitors and workers.
Some chairs are labeled to help maintain social distance, and the food court was closed during our visit. So make sure to plan and grab food before heading here to avoid any issues.
The Yokosuka Iris Garden is a must-visit for anyone in the area. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to explore away from the base, this is highly recommended. Drive over or head there on your bike and spend the day looking at beautiful flower fields.
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