Spring Rose Festival 2020 at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens
Do you remember the quiet uncertainty of 2020? For a photographer in Tokyo, it was a challenging time with cancelled events and empty streets. That’s why the Spring Rose Festival at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens felt like such a gift. In a year of so much gray, these vibrant roses were a much-needed splash of color and a reminder of the simple joys that nature can provide.
A welcome escape in a difficult year
True to form, I arrived at the garden a little early. With rain in the forecast, I was anxious to capture the roses in their prime. I had missed this kind of photography dearly. There is nothing better than the simple pleasure of being outdoors, surrounded by the fragrant scent of blooming flowers.
Tokyo was fortunate compared to many other parts of the world. Still, there was a palpable sense of economic hardship and a collective need for something to lift the city’s spirits. We all needed a spark of vibrancy, and I was hoping to find it here.
The sights and scents of the Spring Rose Festival 2020
Even though the roses weren’t at their absolute peak, their vibrant shades of red, pink, and yellow were a welcome sight. The air was filled with their delicate fragrance, a sweet perfume that felt like a stark contrast to the sterile masks we had all grown accustomed to. It was comforting to see a small crowd gathered, everyone keeping their distance, yet sharing in a moment of simple, natural beauty. That week, it felt like plenty of people came to Kyu-Furukawa Gardens seeking the same thing I was. These roses were more than just flowers; they were a promise of brighter days to come.
A lasting symbol of hope
That visit to the Spring Rose Festival in 2020 was a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, beauty persists. The Kyu-Furukawa Garden, a stunning piece of England in the heart of Tokyo, truly felt like an oasis of hope. If you’d like to learn more about its fascinating history and design by Josiah Conder, you can read my full guide to the gardens.
More rose festival articles
External related websites
- Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (official website)