#Japan #Kusatsu #Sui-ren Exhibition #Lotus Garden #Kusatsu City

Welcome to the Water Lily Exhibition in Kusatsu City!

From June 6 to June 29, 2025, the Kusatsu City Water Plant Park, also known as Mizunomori, will host the enchanting 'Sui-ren Exhibition – A World of Water Lilies' where visitors can immerse themselves in the captivating beauty and aromas of over 150 varieties of tropical and hardy water lilies. This annual event marks the peak blooming period for water lilies, heralding the arrival of early summer.

Located on the scenic shores of Lake Biwa in Kusatsu City, Mizunomori boasts a unique collection of exotic and colorful aquatic plants, providing stunning vistas and a serene environment that is a feast for the senses. One of the park's highlights is the 'Hanakage no Ike', or 'Flower Shadow Pond', which replicates the dreamlike qualities found in Monet's impressionist paintings. Here, expansive sheets of vibrant water lilies float alongside reeds and papyrus, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape worthy of any artist's canvas.

Discover the Diversity of Water Lilies

Visitors will not only enjoy the view of the diverse blooms, but they will also have the chance to see rare varieties that can only be found in this park. As numerous water lilies come into bloom starting in late May, the exhibition will showcase many types of both tropical varieties housed in greenhouses and hardy varieties flourishing outdoors. The park will also offer water lily plant sales to allow guests to take a piece of this experience home.

For the best viewing experience, guests are encouraged to arrive in the morning when the flowers are most vibrant, as the spectacular blooms typically open around 10 a.m. and close by evening. Measuring about ten centimeters across, the flowers of the 'Wanbisa' variety, which features both pink and yellow hues, will be among the stars of the show, creating stunning visual displays.

Unique Experiences Await

The exhibition is not just about observing the water lilies from afar; it encourages close interaction. The dedicated 'Sui-ren Water Tank' showcases about 20 varieties of water lilies, allowing guests to lean in and admire the flowers closely. Additionally, the Atrium Greenhouse offers sheltered viewing of various water lilies, accentuating their distinct fragrances, which range from citrus to tropical and rose-like scents. This is an ideal opportunity for plant lovers and photographers alike, as the park runs an annual photo contest during the peak season, inviting creative submissions centered around the beauty of its water lilies.

Important Details

Exhibition Dates: June 6 - June 29, 2025
Location: Kusatsu City Water Plant Park, Mizunomori (1091 Shimomonocho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last Entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission Fees: 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for seniors (65+), 250 yen for high school and university students, free for junior high school students and below. Visitors aged 65 and older or students must present valid ID. Group discounts and annual passes are also available.
Parking: Free parking available (84 regular spots and 4 ADA spots).

Getting here is easy: Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station or Maibara Station to Kusatsu Station. From there, catch the Ohmi Railway bus toward the Biwako Museum and alight at Mizunomori Station (approximately 25 minutes).

New Highlight of 2025

This year, guests can look forward to witnessing the debut of the two-tone water lily 'Jackafon', a variety that will be exhibited for the first time at Mizunomori after winning the top prize at the International Water Lily Society's new variety exhibition in 2017. Visitors may encounter the rare sight of this flower's pink and white petals appearing symmetrically, a magical moment that is not to be missed.

Culinary Delights

As part of the immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to try unique dishes inspired by the water lily theme, such as 'Lotus Udon Noodles' and the sweet 'Lotus Soft Cream', crafted using lotus leaf powder derived from the park's very own flora.

Mizunomori is dedicated to providing a rich interaction between plants and people, creating a delightful sanctuary where nature thrives. Make sure to visit the park’s official website for updates on exhibition details and blooming conditions as the date approaches!

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please reach out to:
Kusatsu City Water Plant Park – Mizunomori
Management: Ohmi Railway Yu Group (Head Office: Seibu Landscaping Inc.)
Phone: 077-568-2332 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Website: Mizunomori Official Site