Spring Roses of 400 Varieties Bloom for a Month in a Mountain Garden at 480m Elevation—Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Friendship with Bulgaria, the 'Country of Roses'

Nakanojo Gardens, operated by Nakanojo Town, will hold its annual 'Spring Rose Garden Fair' for about a month from May 23 (Saturday) to June 21 (Sunday), concurrently with the 'Bulgaria Friendship Fair 2026', which marks its 5th anniversary this year.

The cool climate at an elevation of 480m, cooler than the plains, accentuates the colors of the roses in our rose garden. The garden consists of seven sections supervised by horticulturist and breeder Takashi Kawai, and the highlight is the harmonious display of roses and various perennials. The typical peak of the roses is in early June, where you can enjoy roses with deeper and more vibrant colors than those grown in the plains.

## Features of Nakanojo Gardens Rose Garden

- **Feature 1: An Artistic Garden Divided into Seven Sections**
The structure created by Hiromitsu Yoshiya, who handles the comprehensive planning and garden design of Nakanojo Gardens, is complemented by the planting by Takashi Kawai, showing a completely different world in each of the seven gardens. By limiting the number of roses to over 400 varieties and 1,000 bushes, and prioritizing the overall 'landscape' in harmony with undergrowth, trees, and other flowers, it delivers a new charm.

- **Feature 2: Plants Maturing After the 5th Anniversary**
The garden celebrated its 5th anniversary last year on April 17, 2025. The plants have grown and harmonized, showing the most fulfilling state of the garden, combining youthfulness and composure.

- **Feature 3: A Rose Garden Peaking a Month Later Than the Plains**
Blooming starts in mid-May and peaks in early June. While roses are mostly finished in May in the Kanto region's plains, this garden serves as the rearguard, known as the 'still-in-time rose garden' for enthusiasts. Over 20,000 people enjoy it during this period every year.

- **Feature 4: Deeply Colored Roses in a Cool Climate**
The elevation of 480m causes a later blooming period, and the temperature difference between day and night is said to make them bloom in deeper colors than in the plains.

## Introduction to the Gardens
- **Japanese Rose Garden**: A Japanese-style garden with a water mirror.
- **Garland Garden**: The most popular garden where rose vines entwine the ropes. During its peak, the highest admission fee of 2,000 yen applies.
- **Yellow Garden**: A colorful garden with a photogenic dome.
- **White Garden**: A refreshing garden centered on a fountain pool where only white flowers bloom.

## About This Year's Bulgaria Friendship Fair

The Republic of Bulgaria is known as the 'Country of Roses'. The connection with Nakanojo Gardens began in 2022, and the bonds of friendship have deepened with visits from H.E. Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to Japan. In 2025, the 'Bulgaria Friendship Flower Bed' was newly created, and 'Marieta', a new rose variety named by the Ambassador, was planted. 2026 marks the first season when 'Marieta' will be in full bloom.

### Highlights of 2026
1. **Full Bloom of the New Rose Variety**: The new variety 'Marieta' will have its first full season.
2. **5th Anniversary of Friendship**: A milestone year showing the achievements of grassroots diplomacy between Japan and Bulgaria.
3. **Special Morning Rose Garden Viewing**: A limited opening of the dew-covered roses from 7:30 to 9:00 on weekends during the peak season.