Over the summer, Karuizawa Lake Garden is holding a range of events for parents and children to immerse themselves in the beautiful nature, smell the fragrant lilies, and experience the popular false anemone, water lilies and many more gorgeous flowers. Approximately 33,000m2 of space is covered with the Karuizawa's most beautiful plants and even a lake.  At Karuizawa, roses are particularly beautiful during the summer O-Bon festival season, flourishing more than ever in Karuizawa's unique climate. As the roses bloom for the second time in the year during mid august, this is a particularly beautiful sight. ♪   The entire garden consists of eight areas where you can enjoy different sceneries. The rose garden, for example, consists of roses and a whole range of plants that flower at different times of the year, so you can enjoy the variation in appearance of the garden throughout the year. Different flowering plants and roses surround a waterfront in the rose garden. You must come witness just how beautiful it looks during the summer. 

The season has arrived at Rokkō Alpine Botanical Garden in Hyogo Prefecture when you can see the "phantasmal" hydrangea known as the shichidanka.   The shichidanka is a type of hydrangea serrata, also known as "mountain hydrangea." It is known for its distinct double-flowering. Its ten or so sepals give it a beautiful star shape. Its delicate form has earned the plant much popularity in the gardens where it blooms in two locations.   As well as this flower, several other hydrangeas are now in bloom or soon to be in bloom a the garden too which are making their way to Japanese social media. Let's take a look at some of the various hydrangeas you can see there. Shichdanka (Hortensia serrate var.serrata f.prolifera) This flower stands at 1 to 1.5 meters tall. The flower appears in Philipp Franz von Siebold's studies of Japanese flora and fauna during the Edo Period, but its existence subsequently became unnoticed until 1959 where it was discovered by chance at Mount Rokkō. The flowers were then cut and planted and seedlings spread across various places. The flower, which was given the name "mountain hydrangea," took on a beautiful blue colour as a result of acid soil from caused by granite. It can be enjoyed in full bloom right now until mid-July. Himeajisai (Hortensia cuspidata f.cuspidata) [Blooming: June - July 2019] Also known as the "garden hydrangea," the himeajisai is recognisable for its shape which is like a temari - a type of toy ball from Japanese folk art. It was given its name by Japanese botanist Tomitaro Makino in 1929. It is strong and durable against hot and dry weather and takes on a gorgeous blue colour when grown in soil with a high level of acidity. Amagiamacha (Hortensia serrata var.angustata) [Blooming: June - July 2019] This delicate, sweet-smelling flower has thin leaves that grow no longer than 10cm. Since long ago this flower has not been used as a sweetener in hydrangea tea but instead during the manufacturing process of soy sauce for its embalming effect. It has also been used to prevent mould and mildew from building up. Not only that, the flower has also been combined in home remedies such as mouth fresheners and toothpaste for its sweet flavour. Locals also use it for balancing sweetness and acidity with daikon pickled vegetables. Tamaajisai (Platycrater involucrata) [Blooming: August 2019] The tamaajisai grows natively across the Kanto region to Gifu Prefecture. It blooms in mountainous regions that have a high level of humidity. Its leaves' surface have thick and hard hairs on them. They get the tama ("Ball" in Japanese) in their name for their ping pong ball-like buds. During wartime the flower was also used as a substitute for tobacco and so it also gets the name "mountain tobacco." The flower is popular for its appearance just before its full bloom too.   Visit Rokkō Alpine Botanical Garden this summer to see all of the different hydrangeas on show.

Hi everyone! This is Midori from MMN's Editorial Department. Now that summer is here, it's the perfect opportunity to visit a beer garden! Having a refreshing cold beer on a rooftop during a hot summer's day is on a whole new level. Every year, beer gardens put a lot of effort into coming up with new ideas for their customers to have the time of their lives. The entire atmosphere is an entirely new experience. That's why today, I will be introducing you to 2019's must-visit beer gardens in Kyoto and Osaka.   Or click here to discover Tokyo's top 5 beer gardens instead!     Korean BBQ SakebaHead to the rooftop of Keihan City Mall which is attached to Temmabashi station  in Osaka for a Korea-themed beer garden. From grilled meats such as Korean grilled pork belly, (Samgyeopsal), and gourmet food such as cheese Dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), there are just so many delicious meals to try. You can treat yourself to the free self-service drinks or get your beers, highballs and lemon sours topped up as many times as you like! Korean grilled meat and beer is the perfect combination. No wonder it is so popular!   ▼ Temmabashi Korean BBQ SakebaAddress: Keihan City Mall rooftop, 1-1 Tenmabashikyomachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka,Running: May 22 ー September 30, 2019 (No regular holidays.) ※ Closed on days of severe or stormy weatherOpening Hours: 17:00 ー 22:30 (Last entries: 20:00)Official Website: https://www.matsuri-bbq.com   Hotel Keihan Rooftop Beer Garden Before the rooftop garden opens at Keihan Hotel, Osaka, you can still enjoy alcohol at the "Choi Nomi" alcohol stand. Here, you pay for each individual drink, which is perfect for those who do not want to drink too much. You can also enjoy a couple of drinks here with friends while you are waiting for the beer garden to open. Whether you want to drink a little or go all the way, this beer garden caters for all kinds of alcohol-lovers. ♪   ▼ Rooftop Beer Garden Location: Hotel Keihan Kyoto GrandeAddress: 31 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward,Running: June 1 ー August 31, 2019 ※ Closed during bad weather Opening Hours: 17:30 ー 21:00 (Last orders: 20:45) (Choi Nomi alcohol stand opening times: 16:00 ー 17:30Website: https://www.hotelkeihan.co.jp/Kyoto/     Senri Hankyu HotelSenri Hankyu Hotel Poolside Beer Garden also has private spaces this year, allowing you to relax in private with your friends without having to worry about others around you. Amongst all the typical drinks, you can also enjoy Smirnoff and Sangria. There will also be a variety of dance performances to keep you entertained including samba, hula and belly dancing. Grab your girlfriends and boyfriends for the perfect summer reunion party.   ▼ Senri Hankyu Hotel Beer GardenLocation: Senri Hankyu Hotel PoolsideAddress:  2-1 Shinsenri Higashimachi, Toyonaka, OsakaRunning: June 1 ー September 30, 2019 Opening Hours: Mondays ー Saturdays (17:30 ー 21:00)Last orders: 20:30), Sundays, national holidays: 17:30 ー 20:30 (Last orders: 20:00)Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/home/hotel/hh/senrihh/contents/beergarden/   Hotel New Hankyu KyotoRight now, the rooftop of Hotel New Hankyu, is home to a beer garden. From the same rooftop, you can enjoy a view of Kyoto Tower amongst the breathtaking scenery of nightfall in Kyoto. There is also a live performance menu at the grilled dish corner, performance desserts and much more. Treat yourself to a luxurious beer garden experience.   ▼Hankyu Top Beer Garden Kyoto Location: Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto (Rooftop )Address: Opposite Kyoto station (Karasuma central exit), Shimogyo Ward, KyotoRunning: May 17, 2019 ー September 23, 2019 On national holiday August 16, opening hours will change due to the Gozan no Okuribi festival of Kyoto.Opening Hours: 17:30 ー 21:30※ Open until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays during July and August, however a time limit of 120 minutes for each group of customers applies. Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/hh/kyotoshh/restaurants/beergarden   So, what do you think? A beer garden with friends is the perfect way to have fun with friends in the evening!