An iris garden in Tokyo, Japan May 12, 2025

An iris garden in Tokyo, Japan

Flower viewing is a beloved tradition in Japan, with each season bringing its own natural spectacle. Just as the last sakura (cherry blossom) petals drift away, Tokyo"s gardens start gearing up for their next big show: the iris bloom. Featured here is an iris garden in Tokyo. The iris is a flowering plant genus that has 310 recognised species, known for their bold and beautiful blossoms. The genus is named after the Greek word "îris", meaning "rainbow," which is also the name of the Greek goddess of rainbows.

© M.Arai/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A butterfly’s best friend
American Red Cross pioneers
May 12, 2024Mothers Day
May 12, 2026Atlantic puffins, Wales

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct. 5, 2024World Teachers Day
A legend sprung from the ground
Kickoff in Qatar
To the infinite and back
Nov. 7, 2023Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania
Jan. 24, 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Two hungry baby beavers
Apr. 30, 2024Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Nov. 1, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Oct. 16, 2025Eurasian lynx
Is a hug really that magical?
Dare to delve into this dense swamp
Aug. 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
May 29, 2024World Otter Day
One on land, a million in space
The largest gypsum dune field
Feb. 6, 2025Waitangi Day in New Zealand
Mar. 11, 2026Peach trees in Cieza, Murcia, Spain
Beautiful from all angles
A pink moon over Arizona
Sep. 24, 2023World Rivers Day
Feb. 10, 2024Happy Lunar New Year!
Gravity-defying wonders of the world
Jun 3, 2026World Bicycle Day
Feb. 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
Mar. 3, 2026World Wildlife Day
May 14, 2026Pitigliano, Tuscany, Italy
Mar. 4, 2025Happy Fat Tuesday!
May 24, 2024Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
May 8, 2026Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa