Scent of 'first love'? 200 rose clusters in full bloom at Tokyo garden

TOKYO -- About 200 spring rose clusters are in full bloom at a Tokyo garden, delighting visitors for the first time in three years with their vibrant colors.

For the past two years, the Kyu-Furukawa Gardens in Tokyo's Kita Ward were closed this time of year, when roses are at their best, due to the spread of the coronavirus. The place is well known for its roses, and about 100 varieties, including "Peace" and "Hatsukoi" (First Love), are in bloom.

Visitors enjoyed taking pictures of a Western-style building and roses together, commenting, "Even with a mask on, the fragrance reaches me," and, "It's really worth seeing."

According to the gardens, from around mid-April this year there have been many days with low temperatures, resulting in a later blooming period. Because of this, it is expected that visitors will be able to enjoy the colorful roses in red, yellow, pink, and other hues until around May 22.

(Japanese original by Daisuke Wada, Photo Group)