By Japan BackpackersXpress
Enjoy a 4K HDR stroll through the renowned Suma Rikyu Park (須磨離宮公園) in Kobe during the vibrant spring of 2025. Suma Rikyu Park is celebrated for its stunning rose gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds, making it one of Kobe’s top botanical attractions. This detailed video tour takes viewers unit by unit through the seasonal rose displays, showcasing dozens of varieties from around the world, including celebrated Japanese cultivars.
As the video unfolds, viewers are guided past sections blooming with roses like Charleston, Mathilde, and Empress Michiko, interspersed with internationally famed varieties such as Queen Elizabeth, Ingrid Bergman, and Diana, Princess of Wales. Japanese-developed roses like Highness Miyabi and Akane Rikyū are highlighted, as well as award-winning European varieties, lending the gardens a truly global character. Informative on-screen captions provide the names and origins of each rose seen, making this an excellent resource for garden enthusiasts and those planning a visit.
Suma Rikyu Park itself is located along Kobe’s scenic coastline and is easily accessible via public transport. The park is famous not only for its vast rose garden, which typically sees peak bloom in May and early June, but also for its lush lawns, children’s play areas, and panoramic views of Osaka Bay. Originally developed as an imperial villa, the park blends Western-style landscaping with Japanese horticultural sensibilities, drawing visitors from across the Kansai region and beyond. Entry is ticketed, and the site often hosts seasonal festivals centered on the rose garden’s blooming schedule.
If you plan to visit, consider stopping by nearby attractions in Kobe, such as the Suma Beach or the historical Suma Temple. Suma Rikyu Park is an ideal destination for photographers, botanists, families, and anyone looking for a tranquil escape amid flowers, especially in springtime when the roses are at their best.