Japanese iris blooms herald an early summer in Nikko

Nasu-hiougiayame irises are seen in bloom in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, on Friday. In the background are Japanese primroses. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

TOCHIGI -- Nasu-hiougiayame, a variant of the indigenous Iris setosa, have started to bloom in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, and you can see them until the middle of June.

These irises were identified in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, in 1962 by researchers from the Imperial Household Agency. In 2004, the Imperial Household Agency presented them to the prefectural government, and some were transplanted to the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. They are currently designated an endangered species of Tochigi Prefecture.

Japanese primroses are also blooming in the park. A park official said, "Enjoy the blooming of these two varieties, which herald the arrival of an early summer."

Nasu-hiougiayame irises are seen in bloom in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, on Friday. In the background are Japanese primroses. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

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