Lupines and Delphiniums in Full Bloom at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park

At Komorebi Flower Garden within the Park and Garden Tree Garden of Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, approximately 100,000 lupines reached their peak bloom on April 22nd. The blooming period is on par with previous years and is expected to continue until around May 17th, with the most vibrant flower scenery visible during Golden Week. Lupines, also known as "Noborifuji" (climbing wisteria) due to their unique flower shape resembling an inverted wisteria, fill the air with a faint sweet fragrance. The flower field, with its purple, pink, and white flower spikes rising under the sunlight filtering through the trees, creates an enchanting and fantastical scene, as if stepping into a fairy tale.

Similarly, in the same Park and Garden Tree Garden, approximately 4,000 delphiniums began blooming about five days earlier than usual, starting from April 29th. Their peak bloom is expected to last until around mid-May. Delphiniums, often called the "epitome of blue flowers," are characterized by their jewel-like vivid colors. The deep dark blues, clear light blues, and elegant white and purple flowers, true to their flower meanings of "clarity" and "nobility," present a dignified appearance. Their swaying forms in the refreshing early summer breeze create a cool and refreshing flower scenery that envelops the entire area.

Photographed on April 22, 2026

*The blooming period may vary depending on the weather.

Enchanting and Fantastical Flower Field: Lupines

Lupines belong to the genus Lupinus in the pea family (Fabaceae) and are annuals native to North America (sometimes perennials in cold regions). They grow to about 20-150 cm tall, with small butterfly-like flowers clustered in a tower shape, emitting a faint sweet fragrance. *The 'Festival' variety planted in this park grows to about 30-60 cm. Because their wisteria-like flowers bloom upwards, they are also called "Noborifuji" (climbing wisteria), "Tachifuji" (standing wisteria), or "Sakasafuji" (inverted wisteria). The Japanese name "Hauchiwamame" (feather fan bean) comes from the shape of their leaves, which resemble a tengu's fan.

Flowers blooming upright, Leaves resembling a tengu's fan, Small butterfly-like flowers clustered together

Lupines and the Phantom Thief Arsène Lupin

Lupines and the world-famous "Phantom Thief Arsène Lupin" share a small connection through their names. The French spelling for lupine is "Lupin," which is exactly the same as the phantom thief's name. In Maurice Leblanc's novel "The Teeth of the Tiger," the retired Lupin is depicted filling his entire garden with lupine flowers, named after himself. This flower has long been said to "enhance imagination." The flowers, sharing the same name (spelling) as the elusive phantom thief, create an enchanting and fantastical flower scenery that captivates viewers.

Best Viewing Period

Around April 22nd to around May 17th

Number of Varieties

1 variety (Festival)

Number of Plants

Approximately 100,000 plants

Location

Komorebi Flower Garden (approx. 15 minutes from Central Gate)

Planting Area

Approximately 2,000㎡

Planting Method

Seedlings (mid-November)

Delphiniums: The Epitome of Blue Flowers

Delphiniums belong to the genus Delphinium in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and are perennials native to Europe, North America, and mainland China (treated as annuals in Japan). The main variety planted in this park grows to about 100-150 cm tall, with countless flowers blooming densely on thick, straight stems.

The flower meanings include "clarity" and "generosity." The meanings also vary by color: blue/light blue means "I will make you happy" and "magnificent heart," white means "charming eyes," and purple means "nobility." All are positive and refreshing words.

Origin of the Name: "Creatures of the Sea and Sky"

The name Delphinium originates from the shape of its buds resembling a dolphin, derived from the Greek word "delphis" meaning dolphin. The Japanese name "Oohiensou" (large swallow herb) comes from the flower's shape, which evokes a flying swallow.

Thus, the dynamic sculptural beauty of the buds resembling dolphins swimming in the sea and the flowers resembling swallows dancing in the sky may be why delphiniums have been cherished since ancient times.

Buds resembling dolphins, Flowers like flying swallows

Best Viewing Period

April 29th to around mid-May

Number of Varieties

10 varieties (New Millennium, etc.)

Number of Plants

Approximately 4,000 plants

Location

Park and Garden Tree Garden

Planting Area

Approximately 400㎡

Planting Method

Seedlings (late November, early April)

Overview of Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park

Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park was opened as the first national park in Japan, utilizing the remaining vestiges of Musashino as part of a commemorative project celebrating the great achievements of the Meiji era. The nation established it as a fitting tribute to the Meiji Centennial, aiming to secure a place where urban residents, who are losing touch with nature, could regain their humanity through greenery.

The park, boasting an area equivalent to 65 Tokyo Domes, features numerous play equipment for families to enjoy physical activity, such as Japan's largest air trampoline "Ponpoko Mountain" and athletic courses. Additionally, at the Urban Greenery Botanical Garden, visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery, trees, and flowers.