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. During the Edo Period (1603-1867), a fascination with breeding Japanese irises led to an explosion of new varieties. Today, there are over 2,000 types, which are planted in March and nurtured by tsuyu, Japan"s rainy season. These vibrant flowers make their grand entrance in early June, marking the start of summer.

© M.Arai/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Can you name these pretty flowers?
American Red Cross pioneers
May 12, 2024Mothers Day
May 12, 2026Atlantic puffins, Wales

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan 18, 2026White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
Mar 5, 2025Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
May 5, 2025Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Big rocks, big heads
Welcome to the worlds yoga capital
Desert daggers?
On the open ocean road
A large forest with 6,000 of years of history
The buffet is open
May 21, 2026International Tea Day
Jun 23, 2025Elbe river in Dresden, Saxony, Germany
May 20, 2026World Bee Day
Oct 5, 2023Gentoo Penguins, Antarctica
Oct 28, 2025The Gothic Gate in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Czechia
May 22, 2026International Day for Biological Diversity
Family on parade
May 9, 2024Tulips at Emirgan Park in Istanbul, Türkiye
May 3, 2025Happy International Astronomy Day!
A pink moon over Arizona
A glowing square of squares
May 19, 2026Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Apr 19, 2025Zion National Park, Utah, United States
Apr 16, 2025Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
Dec 14, 2025Royal Bengal tiger
Jul 24, 2024Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
Apr 9, 2026Sgwd yr Eira waterfall, Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
Solo on the savannah
A flashy, frigid waterfowl
Apr 10, 2026Siblings Day
Aug 28, 2023Dubrovnik, Croatia