Every June, the watery marshes around Lake Kagurame outside of the city of Beppu come alive with hundreds of blooming irises. The purple flowers, ranging in hues from white to indigo, can be best viewed from the boardwalks constructed through the flower beds. There is also a walking path around the entire lake, which connects to one of the longer Kyushu Olle hiking courses. Parking is just outside the lake, so be prepared for the 10 minute walk from the lot to the flower fields.
- 1 min read
Irises at Lake Kagurame
Gorgeous blooms in a pristine mountain setting

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

A few thousand irises bloom on the shores of Lake Kagurame just outside Beppu

The lake is in a pristine mountain setting

There is a small pavilion on the lake that allows for viewing of the whole area

The irises come in many different shades of purple

A small boardwalk allows you to walk among the flowers

The site can get crowded on weekends in June, and there is usually a one-day festival held in the middle of the blooming period

The irises bloom from mid June to early July

A close-up of one of the irises
Join the discussion
Kim Bergström
6 years ago
One of my favorite flowers! Love June for both irises and hydrangeas!
Jonathan Jahnke
9 years ago
Beautiful photos!
Thank you, Jonathan! The setting was stunning.
Yui Yamaguchi
9 years ago
What a lovely place! You changed the profile photo, too!
Well-spotted, Yui. ;) The other photo was from a few years ago - time for a change!
5 comments in total
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