Escape and Explore various activities at the Ibaraki Flower Park

When we decided to visit my sister’s family in Tsukuba, we didn’t just want to catch up and enjoy home-cooked meals; we wanted adventure and exploration. So, naturally, we made a plan to explore the nearby attractions, and our nephews suggested that we drive to the Ibaraki Flower Park. It’s just under a 30-minute ride from where my sister lives, which was super convenient for us. Plus, we were incredibly lucky to hit it right when the roses were in full bloom—they literally had rose gates welcoming us, which felt like stepping into some kind of fairy tale!

The Ibaraki Flower Park isn’t just any old park. It’s massive, spreading out over such a huge area that you’d need a day or two to see everything. They’ve got everything from regular gardens to areas designated for workshops and even spaces where they host concerts. It’s like they’ve packed a little universe of flowers into one place! We learned that they offer around 100 workshops a year, ranging from flower arranging and drying flowers to making your own Christmas wreaths. I mean, talk about getting hands-on with nature!

As we wandered around, we stumbled upon various activities that were spread throughout the Ibaraki Flower Park. One of the highlights for us was the Sports Slide—a thrilling ride down an 800-meter-long flower course on a sled. Imagine sliding down amidst all those colors and scents! Then there was the Sky Cycle, where you pedal a two-seater cycle on a rail that’s about 5 to 8 meters high. It’s like taking a leisurely stroll through the sky, just pedaling away and soaking in the views from above.

But here’s the kicker: the Ibaraki Flower Park also offers overnight accommodations. We stayed at the Circle Lodge, a simple yet cozy lodge room set against a backdrop of mountains. It was like living in the forest, with options to barbecue on the terrace or watch the stars from the upper deck. They also offer glamping for those who want a more upscale camping experience, complete with bell-shaped tents made of cotton.

And you can’t visit without trying some local cuisine. The Rose Farm House Restaurant on the hills offers a homey atmosphere where every seat feels like it’s part of the kitchen. They serve dishes made with fresh, local ingredients from Ibaraki and the surrounding areas. We had a meal there that was so fresh it felt like the vegetables had just been picked from the garden outside.

If you’re into shopping, the market area in Ibaraki Flower Park is a treasure trove. They’ve got all kinds of original goods with rose motifs, local specialties, and even seedlings of the roses that you see around the park. It’s a great way to bring a piece of the park back home with you.

The region is also famous for its fruits. It offers a unique blend of fruit cultivation, positioned at the northern limit for mandarins and the southern limit for apples. We enjoyed fresh strawberries in spring, blueberries and grapes in summer, and persimmons, mandarins, and apples in autumn and winter. The market’s café, produced by a local bakery, serves up delicious treats using these seasonal fruits.

Nestled in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ibaraki Flower Park is a botanical wonder that draws visitors all year round with its enchanting seasonal attractions. Each season brings a new spectacle, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant flower carpets in summer, stunning foliage in autumn, and magical illuminations in winter. If you want to continue the natural adventure, you may stop to Mount Tsukuba, within 20 minutes drive.

Our visit to the Ibaraki Flower Park turned out to be more than just a day trip; it was a full-blown immersive experience in nature. From thrilling activities for the adrenaline junkies in our group to peaceful walks for those of us who wanted to soak up the serenity, it was a day that left us all enriched and eager to return. It’s truly a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of nature and find countless ways to enjoy it, whether you’re there for the flowers, the activities, or just a peaceful escape from the daily grind.