Ikuta Ryokuchi Park - Ikuta Rose Garden

Last week, my travel friend took me to a beautiful garden. As roses are in season, it was the perfect time to for our visit, as this park predominately features roses. Located in Kawasaki City, the garden is easily accessible by train from Tokyo.

Garden overview, roses from all over the world:

To get to the garden, you can catch an express Odakyu train from Shinjuku, going towards Sagami Ono. Get off at Mukogaoka-Yuen station. From there, walk straight until you see the sign that reads "Bara Road" (bara = rose in Japanese). This road, filled with roses, will lead to you to the park itself.

Be warned -- there is a very long, steep, uphill climb to the park's entrance. For those coming by wheelchair, or needing assistance, the front gate staff will escort you to a van and drive you. That service is completely free. 

Statue stands over the "Royal Court" of roses;

Roses  from English, Holland, France and Japan.

This rose garden is run by a group of volunteers and is supported by Kawasaki City. The entrance fee is free; however, donations are warmly encouraged and those who do donate can receive a small gift in return. For my small donation, I received some flower seeds and a map. My friend, who donated more, got a very nice book on various parks in the Kanto area (Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama).

Statues; Cutenekko; Macro rose:

Those living in Japan, or visiting with their (older) parents or grandparents, I recommend coming to this park. The entrance is free and picnic lunches are welcome. Allow one to two hours to walk around, take photos and enjoy a snack inside the grounds. 

Enjoy traveling!

Information: 

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park -- Website HERE (Japanese only) 

Access: 

Odakyu Line going towards Sagami-Ono station. Get off at Mukogaoka-Yuen. 

From the station, take the South Exit. 

Walk 20 minutes to the park entrance. Follow the signs that say "Bara Road". 

** If lost, just ask people: "Ikuta Rose Ko-en"? They will point you in the right direction.

Map HERE (Japanese only)  

Open:
Mid-May ~ the end of May ONLY. (re-opens in the fall for late blooming roses) 

Entrance Fee: 

Free 

Donations welcome 

Other:

Picnics are okay inside. 

One food stand selling small snacks but very pricey ($5 and up!).

Clean toilets inside the park.

Many rest areas (benches, picnic tables) for the elderly, or parents with small children.