Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden: 'Spring Fairies' - Katakuri (Dogtooth Violet) and Kikuzaki-ichige (Anemone pseudoaltaica) are in full bloom!

The Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, operated by Rokkosan Tourism Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nada-ku, Kobe; President: Akitaka Senoo), is currently showcasing the peak bloom of the 'spring fairies,' the Katakuri (dogtooth violet) and Kikuzaki-ichige (Anemone pseudoaltaica). ◆ Katakuri (Liliaceae) This perennial plant grows in clusters across forests and fields from Hokkaido to Kyushu and blooms only in sunny weather. It is known as a 'spring ephemeral' (a fleeting spring plant) because its above-ground parts, such as leaves, only appear on the forest floor until May, after which it remains dormant until the following spring. It produces a single flower on a 10–20 cm stem and takes about 7 to 8 years to bloom from seed. Historically, its bulbs were used to produce high-quality starch for 'katakuriko' (potato starch), though potato starch is used as a substitute today. Approximately 5,000 plants are blooming throughout the garden, and they are expected to be on display until late April. ◆ Kikuzaki-ichige (Ranunculaceae) A perennial plant that grows on the forest floor of deciduous broad-leaved forests. Its Japanese name comes from the fact that it blooms with only one flower on a stem about 15 cm tall. Clusters are currently in full bloom throughout the garden's wooded areas. Since they grow in the same locations as the Katakuri, visitors can enjoy seeing them side-by-side. They are expected to be on display until mid-April. ■ Event Information: 'Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden × Koyomi Seikatsu - Hanabiyori' Featuring exhibits on the 72 micro-seasons and flower colors, as well as a flower-collecting stamp rally. Enjoy a time to appreciate and cherish the four seasons alongside alpine flowers from the Alps, Himalayas, and Japan. 【Dates】 April 1 (Wed) – July 12 (Sun) 【Hours】 10:00 – 17:00 (Ticket sales end at 16:30) 【Participation Fee】 Free (Separate admission fee required) ◆ Business Overview 【Operating Period】 Open now – November 29 (Sun) *Closed on certain days; please check the website. 【Hours】 10:00 – 17:00 (Ticket sales end at 16:30) 【Admission】 Adults (Junior high school students and older): 900 yen / Children (4 years old to elementary school students): 450 yen 【Parking Fee】 1,000 yen; Busy days (Golden Week): 2,000 yen ※ Operations and event details may be changed or canceled due to severe weather. Rokkosan Portal Site: https://www.rokkosan.com/