Gunma Flower Park (Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Gunma Flower Park is a large prefectural flower park located in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture. The park features extensive flower beds, greenhouses, and trees, and is characterized by the wide variety of flowers that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, such as tulips and azaleas in the spring, roses in early summer, sunflowers in summer, cosmos in autumn, and illuminations in winter. The park also features seasonal theme gardens, a large greenhouse (greenhouse exhibit), elevated areas with great views, and walking paths, making it ideal for photography, picnics, and learning about gardening. The park is popular with tourists from both within and outside the prefecture, families, and gardening enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Rose Garden (Spring to early summer and autumn): A popular spot where you can enjoy both the color and the scent. Rose fairs and guided tours are sometimes held here.
• Tulip and bulb flower beds (spring): The time when colorful tulips bloom all at once is particularly gorgeous and photogenic.
• Large Greenhouse/Flower House: You can enjoy tropical to subtropical flowers and ornamental plants in any season, and it is comfortable even on rainy days and in cold seasons.
• Seasonal Events: Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Sunflower Festival, Autumn Cosmos, Winter Illumination, etc. There are also light-ups and workshops to match the events.
• Walking trails and observation areas: From the elevated area within the park, you can get a panoramic view of the flower fields, and enjoy the scenery while taking a leisurely stroll.
• Photo SpotThe garden's arches, flower beds, and seasonally themed areas are popular with photography enthusiasts.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train + Bus: Accessible by local bus or sightseeing bus from JR Maebashi Station or JR Shin-Maebashi Station (routes and frequency may vary depending on the season). The park entrance is within walking distance from the nearest bus stop. Please check bus schedules and times in advance.
• car: Convenient access from the Kan-Etsu Expressway and the Kita-Kanto Expressway. It takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes from the nearby interchange. Parking (number of spaces and fees) varies depending on the season, so please check the official information.
• taxi: You can save time by taking a taxi from Maebashi Station (travel time varies depending on road conditions).
• *Note:Travel times and access methods vary depending on train schedules and road conditions, so we recommend checking the latest information on official websites and public transportation timetables before setting off.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Quick tour: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
• A leisurely tour of the main sights: 2 to 3 hours
• Stay including photography, event participation, and breaks: Half a day (3-4 hours)
• If you plan to enjoy seasonal events (such as the Rose Festival or illuminations), please allow yourself even more time.

Nearby spots

• Shikishima Park (Maebashi) — Enjoy a stroll around the rose garden and sports facilities.
• Maebashi Museum of Modern Art and Maebashi Museum of Literature—Can be combined with a tour of cultural facilities.
• Mount Akagi area - Popular for its nature, driving, and scenic spots (recommended for seasonal drives).
• Hot springs and day-trip bathing facilities in the city - Relaxing in a hot spring after cherry blossom viewing is also a good idea.
• Local farm shop and cafe - Enjoy seasonal produce and locally sourced dishes.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Busy period: The park is especially crowded during the spring tulip season, Golden Week, the rose season (May to June), the autumn sightseeing season, and the winter illumination period. Parking lots and the park itself can get crowded, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
• What to wear and what to bring: As there is a lot of walking to do within the park, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take precautions against heatstroke in the summer (hat and fluids) and against the cold in the winter. Some areas may become muddy on rainy days.
• Pets: Whether pets are allowed in the zoo and rules on etiquette vary by facility. Please follow the rules of the zoo, such as keeping pets on a leash and cleaning up their droppings.
• Care of flowers and plantsPlease be considerate to other visitors and refrain from touching, entering, or picking flower beds or plants.
• photo shoot: Commercial use and drone photography may be restricted. Be sure to check the rules regarding the use of tripods and professional equipment at events.
• Check for the latest information: Opening hours, closing days, admission fees, and event dates change depending on the season and year, so be sure to check the latest information on the official website or by phone before visiting.

Note: The specific opening hours, admission fees, parking information, and event schedules of the facilities are subject to change, so please check the Gunma Flower Park official website and official social media for the latest information.