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The Kinugasa District of Yokosuka City is a unique and historical area, which has some interesting features.  There is the JR Kinugasa railway station, which is only one stop away from JR Yokosuka Station, so access is convenient for day trips.  A "shotengai" (商店街) shopping street is located right next to the train station, and is filled with many fascinating older stores & sights, and has an overall "retro" feel.  Of interest, on top of a nearby hill is Kinugasa Park, which is the site of a middle-age castle (now long gone).  The mountain castle was the base of the Miura Clan, which ruled the area in the 1100s~1200s.  Another unique and interesting place in Kinugasa is the famous "Iris Garden" park.  It is called: "Shobu-en" (しょうぶ園) and is one of the largest iris gardens in Japan.  For example, from late May to late June, 412 varieties and 140,000 irises bloom on the garden’s 3.8-hectare grounds.  Also, in June, the “Hana Shobu Matsuri” (Iris Festival) is held to celebrate the iris blooms.  Every Sunday during the festival, a “koto” (Japanese harp) concert is also held.  In addition to irises, there is a “Wisteria Garden” with 11 varieties and 250 plants, a “Weeping Cherry Blossom Garden,” and other flower gardens that can be enjoyed throughout the year.  The visitor center has a restaurant that can accommodate up to 100 people, an exhibition room, a store, and a rest area (where visitors are allowed to bring their own lunch).  There is also a small pay parking lot available for automobiles.  Some more information is provided at the links below.  We hope you will have a chance to visit and enjoy Kinugasa and the beautiful Shobu-en.

Written by Goodfield

LINK:

横須賀しょうぶ園 - Guidoor

Fuji Festival 2024 - Yokosuka Iris Garden - Yokosuka Travel Guide (guidoor.jp)