18 – 25 June 2022・Location: Tagajo Castle’s Ayame Park, Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture...

Enjoy the millions of purple iris flowers that color the former Tagajo Castle Site!

Mark the start of summer at Tagajo Castle’s Ayame-en Iris Park and stroll the fields of 3 million gorgeous iris flowers —of which there are over 800 varieties— in full bloom! Some of these varieties include hte Siberian iris, the rabbit-ear iris, and the Japanese iris. You can also enjoy the rich honey Japanese honeybees make from these flowers. From the 22nd to the 24th don't miss the incredibly mystical, fairy-like evening light up event from 7:00PM to 9:00PM!

The Tagajo Castle Site Iris Festival is a yearly event held from throughout the month of June, not to be missed! Weekends also feature various events, such as stage events, open-air tea ceremonies called "nodate," and a hands-on corner for children.

Be sure to wonder the grounds where the Tagajo Castle once stood. Built in 724, it served as the provincial capital from the Nara period to the Heian period. The castle, surrounded by 1 kilometer-long walls on all four sides, stood on a hill offering a sweeping view of Sendai Bay. The Tohoku History Museum is located nearby and provides a comprehensive overview of the history of northern Japan.