The delicate pale-pink Sasayuri lily (ササユリ) is now in bloom at Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden on Rokko Mountain. The Sasayuri is a Japanese endemic species that grows naturally in the satoyama countryside — the low-mountain grasslands and open woodlands stretching from the central Honshu region westward to Kyushu.
While the Sasayuri does grow wild on Rokko Mountain, its numbers have declined in recent years. Outside the botanical garden, the flower can only be spotted in small numbers along the Rokko Cable Car route and the mountain driveway, making it quite a rare sight. The garden has installed boar-proof fencing and carries out regular mowing to create an environment where visitors can appreciate Rokko Mountain's precious Sasayuri lilies in a setting close to their natural habitat.
About the Sasayuri (Lily Family)
The Sasayuri is a lily native to Japan, found in low-mountain grasslands and open woodlands from the central Honshu region westward to Kyushu. Plants grow to between 50 and 100 cm in height, with flowers measuring 10 to 15 cm. The species has a long history in Japan — it is mentioned in the Kojiki, Japan's oldest chronicle, where it is said to have been blooming at the spot where Emperor Jinmu first laid eyes on Isukeyorihime. Within the garden, blooms are expected to last until around mid-July.
Event: Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden x Koyomi Seikatsu — Hanabiyori
A special exhibition pairing the 72 seasonal microseasons (七十二候) calendar with displays of flower colors is being held alongside a flower-collecting stamp rally. Come and savor Japan's four seasons among alpine flowers from the Alps, the Himalayas, and Japanese mountain regions.
Dates: Through Sunday, July 12 (during open season)
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Free (garden admission fee required separately)
Garden Information
Open Season: Through Sunday, November 29 (some closures apply; check the official website for details)
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults (junior high school and above) ¥900 / Children (ages 4 to elementary school) ¥450
Parking: ¥1,000
Note: Operations and events may be changed or cancelled due to severe weather.
