The Beauty of the Rose Garden
The garden’s diversity of roses makes it an appealing destination for flower lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. During the main flowering seasons, the garden becomes a vibrant display of color, with roses of different shapes and shades creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.
One of the highlights of the year is the Rose Festival, held in May and October. These seasonal events feature rose-related activities, the sale of rose seedlings, and stalls selling local specialties. The festivals attract visitors from the surrounding area and offer a lively way to enjoy the garden at its most colorful.
The Aizumi Rose Festival
The Rose Festival is one of the garden’s signature events. When the roses are in bloom, the grounds are filled with colorful flowers and their delicate fragrance, creating an especially pleasant atmosphere for walking and photography.
Admission to the garden is free, making it easy for visitors to stop by and enjoy the flowers. The festival also features a variety of rose-themed activities and opportunities to discover local products. Event dates and activities may vary from year to year, so check local announcements before visiting.
Access to Aizumi Town Rose Garden
By Car
The garden is approximately 2.7 kilometers from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, making it convenient to reach by car. From central Tokushima City, the journey takes about 20 minutes via Tokushima Prefectural Route 1, also known as the Tokushima–Hikita Line, depending on traffic.
By Public Transportation
JR Katsura Station on the Kōtoku Line is approximately a 10-minute drive from the garden. Visitors using Tokushima Bus can also get off at the Aizumi Town Rose Garden-mae stop, which is close to the entrance.
Shōhōjigawa Park
A Riverside Park with a Distinctive Bridge and Playgrounds
Next to Aizumi Town Rose Garden lies Shōhōjigawa Park, a green recreational area popular with local residents. The park is known for its distinctive UFO-shaped playground equipment, which has earned it the affectionate nickname “UFO Park.” With open spaces and places to walk, it is a pleasant spot for families and visitors who want to enjoy some time outdoors after exploring the rose garden.
Midori Bridge and the Park’s Highlights
One of the park’s most notable features is Midori Bridge, a pedestrian-only wooden arch bridge that spans the park’s surroundings. Celebrated for its impressive wooden construction, the bridge is a striking landmark and a scenic place to enjoy the riverside landscape.
Shōhōjigawa Park received the Handmade Hometown Award in fiscal year 1996 in recognition of its community-oriented development. The area also brings together several public facilities, including Aizumi Town Cultural Hall, making it an important recreational and cultural hub for the town.
Park Facilities
Midori Bridge: A prominent wooden arch bridge and one of the park’s main attractions.
Restrooms: Two restroom facilities are available within the park.
Access to Shōhōjigawa Park
The park is approximately a 10-minute drive from JR Katsura Station on the JR Naruto Line. Since it is directly next to Aizumi Town Rose Garden, the two attractions can easily be visited together for a relaxing half-day outing.
Shōhōjigawa River
A Riverside Landscape at the Heart of Aizumi
The Shōhōjigawa River is a Class A river within the Yoshino River system, flowing through Aizumi Town in Itano District and the Ōjin area of Tokushima City. Its name comes from Shōhōji Temple in Aizumi. The river is an important part of the local landscape and helps shape the natural environment and daily life of the surrounding communities.
Geography of the River
The Shōhōjigawa begins in the area of the Old Yoshino River in Aizumi Town, flows through the western part of Ōjin in Tokushima City, and eventually joins the Yoshino River via the former course of the Shōhōjigawa. Its upper reaches include the smaller Honmura and Naomichi rivers, which also contribute to the area’s water system.
Attractions Along the River
Shōhōjigawa Park stretches along the river and features Midori Bridge, a notable wooden arch bridge that adds character to the riverside scenery. The nearby Aizumi Town Rose Garden is another highlight, especially during the May and October flowering seasons.
Other important local facilities in the surrounding area include Aino-yakata Indigo Museum, Aizumi Junior High School, Aizumi Kita Elementary School, Aizumi Nishi Elementary School, and Aizumi Town Hall. The combination of parks, cultural facilities, schools, and public services makes this river corridor an integral part of the community.
Community Environmental Conservation
Local residents have taken an active role in protecting the Shōhōjigawa River. The group Shōhōjigawa o Kangaeru Kai, meaning “The Group for Thinking About the Shōhōjigawa River,” organizes monthly river-cleaning activities to help maintain the waterway and raise awareness of environmental conservation.
These efforts have received several awards. In 2002, the group received recognition from the Environmental Management Bureau’s water environment division of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. The river’s conservation activities were also recognized with the Tokushima Environmental Citizens’ Conference Chairperson’s Award in 2003, the Tokushima Environmental Award in 2005, and the Minister of the Environment Award for Contributions to Regional Environmental Conservation in 2008.
Tributaries and the Surrounding Water System
The Honmura River and Naomichi River are among the smaller waterways connected to the Shōhōjigawa system. Together, these rivers contribute to the local water environment and support the lowland landscape of Aizumi and neighboring areas.
Enjoy the Riverside Area
The Shōhōjigawa River area is an appealing place to combine nature, recreation, and local culture. Visitors can stroll through Shōhōjigawa Park, admire Midori Bridge, and explore the nearby rose garden. During the flowering seasons, the rose garden adds a colorful highlight to the riverside scenery, while the park provides space to relax throughout the year.
For travelers exploring Aizumi Town, these neighboring attractions offer an easy and enjoyable way to discover the area’s green spaces and community life while experiencing a quieter side of Tokushima Prefecture.