Awaji Farm Park England Hill (Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and the park is marking the occasion with three highlights: a rose garden in full bloom, a newly arrived koala now open to the public, and the return of a beloved onion-themed event.
Rose Garden in Full Bloom: 110 Varieties, Approx. 680 Plants
The rose garden in the England Area, located in front of the restaurant, spans approximately 1,500 square meters and features 110 varieties and around 680 plants. Blooms began opening in earnest around May 10, and the garden is currently at peak season. While some varieties have already passed their prime, visitors can enjoy the roses through early to mid-June. The garden offers a chance to take in both the vibrant colors and the fragrance of the roses in a scenic setting.
Northern Koala "Komachi" Now Open to the Public
Komachi, a 9-year-old female northern koala originally born at Nagoya City Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens, arrived from Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo as part of a national koala breeding program. After completing her quarantine period, she became available for public viewing at the Koala House from May 14, 2026.
Koalas are broadly divided into northern and southern subspecies based on their habitat. Northern koalas, found in northeastern Australia, tend to be smaller with shorter, lighter-colored fur. Southern koalas, native to southeastern Australia, are larger with longer, darker fur. England Hill is the only facility in Japan that keeps southern koalas on display. The park currently houses seven koalas in total — two southern and five northern — with the breeding and maintenance of each subspecies carried out within their respective lines.
Tamanegi Dai-Undokai (Onion Olympics) Returns for Its 16th Edition
An event celebrating Awaji Island's famous onions, the Tamanegi Dai-Undokai (Onion Olympics), takes place on May 23 (Sat), 24 (Sun), 30 (Sat), and 31 (Sun) — four days in total. This marks the 16th year the event has been held. All competitions are free to enter, with each participant allowed one attempt per activity.
Onion Shouting Contest
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Shout "Tamanegi!" at 95 horns or above and receive two onions as a prize. Participants must be in line by 11:00 AM.
Super! Onion Fishing
Session 1: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (registration closes) / Session 2: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (registration closes)
A new attraction this year — catch as many onions as you can within the time limit and win onions based on your count.
Onion Shooting Game
Session 1: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (registration closes) / Session 2: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (registration closes)
Use a cork gun to knock down onions. Knock all three down in one round and win two onions.
Onion Kendama Challenge
1:00 PM to 1:40 PM
Simple rules: land the kendama successfully and win an onion. One attempt only. (Ages 4 and up.) Participants must be in line by 1:40 PM.
Onion Slice and Roast Beef Giveaway
From 2:30 PM — first 150 guests. Location: in front of Oishii Kobo
Sliced onions served with roast beef and onion dressing are handed out free of charge until supplies run out.
Guess the Weight: Hit Exactly 1 Kilogram!
3:15 PM to 3:40 PM
Try to pick up exactly 1 kilogram of onions. Get it right (1.0 kg or under) and take them home. Go over 1.01 kg and they're taken away. (Ages 4 and up.) Participants must be in line by 3:40 PM.
True or False Quiz & Onion Stuffing Contest
From 4:20 PM
All attendees can join the true-or-false quiz. The 30 winners advance to the onion bag stuffing contest. Participants must be present by 4:20 PM; no late entry is permitted. (Ages 4 and up.)
Onion Haiku Contest (All 4 Days)
Submit one haiku on the theme of onions — one entry per person. The top prize is 20 kilograms of onions. Entries can be submitted at the entrance gate only; mail and email entries are not accepted.
Onion Treasure Hunt (All 4 Days)
Ten treasure chests are hidden around the park. Find one and win 3 kilograms of onions. The chests are not hidden in flower beds, restricted areas, or anywhere dangerous. The hunt ends when all chests have been found.
Park Information
Awaji Farm Park England Hill
- Address: 1401 Yagiyagikami, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture 656-0443
- Phone: 0799-43-2626
- Admission: Adults (high school age and up) ¥1,500 / Children (ages 4 and up) ¥500
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes)
- Closed: Tuesdays, New Year's period, winter maintenance closure
