Rose Park

In short

Rose Park is located in Hanazono-cho in the central part of Fukuyama, and is affectionately known as the birthplace of "Fukuyama, the City of Roses." It began in 1956, when residents living around the area took the lead in planting about 1,000 rose seedlings, hoping to provide spiritual support for reconstruction after the air raid on Fukuyama in August 1945.

• ​Grand Corridor​​: Lined with golden arches shaped like crowns, it lets you walk through a three-dimensional flower walkway where roses blend with seasonal flowers
• ​Stripe Garden​​: A flowerbed where roses of similar colors are planted in stripe-like bands, which looks like a pattern when viewed from a slight distance
• ​Roses of 670 varieties​​: In April 2024, the planting was completely renewed, and approximately 7,000 roses of about 670 varieties collected from around the world are planted here. The best viewing seasons are twice a year, in spring and autumn

History and Highlights

​Rose Park​ is located in Hanazono-cho in the central part of Fukuyama, and is affectionately known as the birthplace of "Fukuyama, the City of Roses." In August 1945, during the air raid on Fukuyama, approximately 80% of the city area was burned. In 1956, hoping to restore vitality to the devastated town and provide spiritual support for its reconstruction, residents living around what was then Minami Park took the lead in planting about 1,000 rose seedlings. The city also assisted in arranging the seedlings, making this an initiative started jointly by residents and the city. Around 1965, the park assumed almost its present form and came to be known by the nickname "Rose Park."

Inspired by this initiative, a movement to plant roses and create flowerbeds spread among citizens as well, and Fukuyama became known as a city of roses. In April 2024, the planting was completely renewed, and approximately 7,000 roses of about 670 varieties collected from around the world are planted here. In May 2025, the World Rose Convention, an international conference gathering rose-related figures from across the globe, was held in Fukuyama.

Highlights of Appreciation and Experience

• ​Grand Corridor​​: An area lined with golden arches shaped like crowns. The roses adorning the arches blend with seasonal flowers, allowing visitors to walk through a three-dimensional flower walkway.
• ​Stripe Garden​​: A flowerbed where roses of similar colors are planted in stripe-like bands. The scenery of alternating color bands looks like a pattern when viewed from a slight distance.
• ​Nine Themes​​: The park is divided into nine themes, such as "Hall of Fame Roses" and "Old Roses." Walking while comparing the differences in flower shapes, colors, and fragrances for each theme allows visitors to appreciate the depth of roses.

Walking Tips

The best viewing seasons for roses are twice a year, in spring and autumn. In spring particularly, the number of flowers is large and the park is at its most gorgeous. In mid-May each year, the city's largest event, the Fukuyama Rose Festival, is held with Rose Park and neighboring Midorimachi Park as its main venues, bustling with crowds of visitors. Enjoy the scent of the roses while taking a leisurely stroll around the park.