#Japan #Tokyo #Photo Contest #Arakawa Line #Otsuka Rose Festival

Explore the 25th Otsuka Rose Festival

Starting on May 3rd, 2023, the 25th Otsuka Rose Festival is set to take place along the Otsuka Rose Road and at TRAM Pal Otsuka, featuring an impressive display of approximately 710 varieties and 1,210 rose plants. This much-anticipated spring event will delight flower enthusiasts and families alike, offering a plethora of activities and attractions.

The festival aims to highlight the unique relationship between the Otsuka area and roses, a movement that took off after discovering about 100 rose plants planted long ago by volunteers. This initiative not only enhances the local environment but also brings beauty and culture to the community. The Otsuka Rose Road, affectionately known for its scenic charm, extends from Otsuka Station on the Arakawa Line to Mukohara, transforming once-neglected areas into vibrant floral showcases.

Festivities and Attractions

On the first day of the festival, visitors can look forward to an opening ceremony starting at 10 AM at TRAM Pal Otsuka, where excitement will be palpable. Attendees can explore a rose seedling sale, purchase cut roses and tram-themed merchandise, and partake in children’s workshops that promise enjoyable experiences for younger guests.

This year marks the 13th edition of the “Tram and Roses” Photo Contest, where participants are invited to submit their best photographs featuring the blooming roses along the Otsuka Rose Road and at TRAM Pal Otsuka. The winning entries will be recognized during the autumn rose festival slated to begin on October 11th, 2023.

A Message from the Community

Ken Koyama, the president of the Minami-Otsuka Tram Line Association, expressed his excitement regarding the festival, stating, “This year, the tram line will be adorned with a kaleidoscope of roses, filling the air with their delightful fragrance. I encourage everyone to visit the Otsuka area during Golden Week and enjoy this beautiful celebration of nature.”

Event Details

• - Duration: May 3rd (Sunday) to May 24th (Sunday), 2023
• - Venues: Otsuka Rose Road and the Open Space in front of Otsuka Station (TRAM Pal Otsuka)
• - Organizers: Minami-Otsuka Tram Line Association and Toshima City
• - More Information: Otsuka Rose Festival Official Website

Photo Contest Information

• - Theme: “Tram and Roses”
• - Eligibility: Open to all participants aged 6 and older (grade school age and up)
• - Submission Size: Photographs must be printed in A4 format. Only original works that have not been published or entered in different competitions may be submitted (up to 2 entries per contestant).
• - Submission Address: 3-52-3 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0005, Japan, c/o Monjiya - Photo Contest Committee
• - Deadline: Submissions must arrive by June 30th (Tuesday), 2023.

Join us to immerse yourself in a vibrant community celebrating the beauty of roses and the initiative that brings joy to many. Act quickly to secure your spot in this floral journey this Golden Week!