Native to Central America, dahlias grow successfully in many parts of the world – including Akita Prefecture. At the Akita International Dahlia Garden, visitors can appreciate an incredible 7000 dahlias in numerous varieties.
What makes the garden so unique is that it really does encapsulate that "international" part of their name, with dahlias sourced from over a dozen countries on display at the venue and more added each year. The natural beauty here has made the garden a popular destination for local weddings, and bookings can be made by reaching out to them directly.
Along with all of the floral beauty to enjoy, the garden also has an on-site restaurant overlooking the grounds. The current meal options include dishes like hamburger steak, seafood pasta, katsu curry, short ribs, and various pizzas, with kids' meals also available if you're visiting with children in tow. If you don't need a full meal, there are coffee and dessert options on offer – the full menu can be found on their website here.
Admission to the garden is priced at ¥ 400 for adults, and free for junior high school-aged students and below. The flowering period for the dahlias is from mid-August to early November, and the garden lists their opening hours as sunrise to sunset.