Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Fukuyama Tsuun Rose Arena in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Admission is free.
The event is designed as an experiential exhibition where visitors can see, learn about, and enjoy roses — a symbol of Fukuyama, a city widely known for its rose culture. It runs in conjunction with Fukuyama Bara Matsuri 2026, which takes place outside the arena during the same two-day period, making it a rose-filled weekend across the city.
The program includes colorful rose displays, stage talks by expert growers and garden designers, seedling sales, and gardening goods. Content is suited to a wide range of visitors, from beginners to long-time rose enthusiasts.
Event Overview
- Event Name: Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2026
- Dates: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Venue: Fukuyama Tsuun Rose Arena (2-2 Midori-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Admission: Free
Stage Events
A variety of stage programs will highlight new aspects of rose culture throughout the two days. Speakers and content are subject to change.
Saturday, May 16
11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Latest Disease-Resistant Roses
Popular gardener and YouTuber Yuki Matsuo from "Garden Channel" will share tips on enjoying roses and other plants in a relaxed and approachable way. The session features introductions to the latest disease-resistant varieties and ideas for making the most of their resilience.
1:00 PM–2:00 PM: The Cutting Edge of Disease-Resistant Roses for the Future
A first western Japan collaboration between Nobuyuki Kawai — Supervisor and planting expert at Yokohama English Garden — and Shin'ichiro Iritani, a rose grower and breeder specializing in species roses and old roses. The talk covers the latest disease-resistant varieties suited to contemporary lifestyles and environmentally conscious gardening.
3:00 PM–4:00 PM: Roses That Make a Beautiful Garden — and the Latest New Varieties
Kazuhiro Tamaki, editor of the specialist rose magazine New Roses, and rose stylist Koki Ono, who creates the Welcome Garden at the venue, will discuss the latest rose varieties and the art of using them in garden design. The session focuses on newly released varieties on display at the expo alongside Ono's approach to garden-making.
Sunday, May 17
11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Creating My Rose Garden, Even in a Pot or Small Space
A talk show by Midori Goto of Komatsu Garden, an admired figure in the world of roses. She will discuss how to freely work with roses to create a rose-filled world, covering the basics of training climbing roses for beginners and garden layout ideas, with content drawn from a book published by NHK Publishing in April.
1:00 PM–2:00 PM: Happy Time in My Garden
Garden designer Yoko Abe (Katakuri Kobo) and gardener Marie Amano (branchplace) hold a collaborative talk, with rose breeder Makie Kawamoto of Kawamoto Rose Garden joining online. The conversation will cover what brings joy in the garden, current interests, and an introduction to Kawamoto's bred rose varieties.
3:00 PM–4:00 PM: The Charm of Rosanberry Tawada
Owner Eriko Osawa will speak about Rosanberry Tawada, which received the World Federation of Rose Societies' Garden of Excellence Award at the World Rose Convention held in Fukuyama last year. Topics include the garden's 20-year history, plant combinations in its "roses and perennials" design, rose collections, and visitor attraction initiatives. The session will be moderated by Yoshihiro Ueda, President of Fukuyama Rose University, who was involved in the award application process.
Venue Attractions
New Roses Corner
Displays of the latest varieties released from autumn last year through this spring, selected for beauty, ease of cultivation, and fragrance.
Welcome Garden
A rose-decorated garden arrangement created by rose stylist Koki Ono.
Rose Seedling, Gardening Goods & Book Sales
Rose seedlings from popular growers including Rosaorientis, Makie Kawamoto, Rose Mersery, French Delbard, and Drieu, alongside rose and garden-related books.
Cut Rose Contest
A 70-year tradition within Fukuyama Bara Matsuri, showcasing roses lovingly grown by enthusiasts from across the region.
Mini Rose Bonsai & Bonkei Exhibition
Miniature worlds created using small roses and moss, evoking travel memories or fairy-tale scenes in tiny pots.
Fukuyama's Roses Timeless Road
An exhibition tracing the history of roses in Fukuyama, including roses bearing the name "Fukuyama."
Certified Rose Goods Sales
A collection of original rose-themed products selected each year by the Fukuyama Matsuri Committee.
Fukuyama Rose Cafe
A café corner serving rose-themed light meals, sweets, and drinks.
