May is the month of roses in Japan, as many varieties of the flower reach peak bloom during this period. From now until May 24, the Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka has dedicated two weeks to these beautiful spring blooms. Admire up to 300 varieties of roses, with 3,500 rose bushes in full bloom at the park’s European-style rose garden, which also features arches and pergolas teeming with climbing roses.
On weekends and public holidays, you get to enjoy a selection of rose-coloured soft serve ice creams named for the different variants in the garden. The gardens are open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.