At Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, spring ephemerals known as "spring fairies" are currently at peak bloom. The garden's Dogtooth violet (Katakuri) and Anemone pseudoaltaica (Kikuzaki Ichige) carpets are on full display.
Dogtooth Violet (Katakuri) — Lily Family
Dogtooth violet (Katakuri) is a perennial that grows widely across mountain forests from Hokkaido to Kyushu, blooming only on clear days. The plant's above-ground parts — leaves and flower stalk — are present only until about May, when the forest floor is still bright, after which the plant goes dormant until the following spring. Plants with this kind of life cycle are called spring ephemerals ("spring fleeting things"), and Dogtooth violet (Katakuri) is a classic example. Each flower stalk, standing 10 to 20 cm tall, bears a single flower, and it takes around 7 to 8 years for a plant to bloom from seed. Historically, the bulbs were used to make a high-quality starch — a precursor to what is now called "katakuriko" — though today potato starch is commonly used instead.
At Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, approximately 5,000 plants are blooming in succession, with viewing expected to continue through late April.
Anemone pseudoaltaica — Buttercup Family
Anemone pseudoaltaica (Kikuzaki Ichige) is a perennial that grows on the floor of deciduous broadleaf forests. Its Japanese name comes from the fact that each slender stem, about 15 cm tall, bears just one flower. Throughout the garden's wooded areas, the plants are forming large colonies at peak bloom, and since they often share the same spots as Dogtooth violet (Katakuri), visitors can enjoy both species side by side.
Viewing of Anemone pseudoaltaica is expected to continue through mid-April.
Special Event: Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden × Koyomi-seikatsu Hanabiyori
The garden is hosting a special collaboration event featuring displays connecting the traditional Japanese almanac's 72 micro-seasons (shichijuuniko) with flower colors, along with a flower-collecting stamp rally. Alongside the alpine plants from the Alps, Himalayas, and Japanese mountains, it's an opportunity to savor and cherish the beauty of the four seasons.
Dates: Wednesday, April 1 – Sunday, July 12
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Free (separate garden admission required)
Garden Information
Open Season: Now through Sunday, November 29 ※Closed on certain days; check the official website for details.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults (middle school age and above) ¥900 / Children (ages 4–elementary school) ¥450
Parking: ¥1,000; ¥2,000 on busy days (Golden Week)
※ Operations and events may be changed or cancelled due to severe weather.
Official website: https://www.rokkosan.com/
