The park was established to celebrate the connection between the islands of the Shimanami Kaido route.
It houses a 'World Rose Garden' section featuring varieties sourced from multiple continents.
Many of the roses displayed are award-winning cultivars from international rose competitions.
The garden layout is designed to allow visitors to walk among the flower beds, providing close-up access to different scents and colors.
The park utilizes the mild, sunny climate of the Ehime prefecture to extend the blooming season compared to northern regions of Japan.
Yoshiumi Rose Park is a specialized botanical garden located on Oshima Island, featuring over 400 varieties and 3,500 individual rose bushes. The park is situated near the base of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, offering views of the Seto Inland Sea. It serves as a central hub for the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido cycling route, specifically designed for cyclists and motorists crossing the islands. The garden is divided into themed sections, showcasing roses from both Japan and international breeders. A dedicated rose festival is held annually during the peak blooming seasons. The park grounds include a restaurant and a gift shop focused on rose-derived products. Irrigation systems and soil management are specifically tailored to the Mediterranean-like climate of the Seto Inland Sea region.
The raised viewing platform providing an elevated perspective of the flower beds with the bridge in the background.
Check the official Imabari City website for the 'bloom status' report before visiting to ensure peak color.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the garden has limited natural tree shade.
Visit the gift shop to try rose-flavored soft-serve ice cream, a local specialty.
Visiting in high summer (July-August) when heat is extreme and flowering is reduced.
Closed on certain days during the winter off-season; check local listings before visiting in January or February.
Do not touch or pick the flowers; stay on designated paved paths.
