Janohana: A Village of Flowers and History

It all began with “Janohana Hyakkaen,” created in 1899 by Wataru Ito, a wealthy farmer who prospered in this area. Spanning Approx. 33 hectares and built on sloping land, the expansive grounds burst into bloom with seasonal flowers year-round. Look for daffodils and tulips in April; wisteria, azaleas, and peonies in May; roses and peonies in June; hydrangeas and water lilies in July; and from August to October, salvia, melampodium, and more at their best.

It’s especially known for its stunning cherry blossoms and fall foliage, drawing many visitors in season. Around mid-April, Approx. 200 delicate cherry trees, including weeping cherry and Somei Yoshino, bloom in a beautiful display. Many of the maple trees planted when the garden first opened have grown into massive trees now over 100 years old, and in November they turn vivid colors, ushering you into an otherworldly atmosphere.

Perched on a hill within the grounds, Wataru Ito’s villa “Janohana Palace” is open for interior tours. From fusuma and folding-screen paintings by Kano-school artists and other renowned painters to a plaque by Hirobumi Ito and the exquisitely crafted gable over the entrance, its lavish design is impressive. It was designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1996.