Stroll through rows of blooming roses, sway to live jazz, and gaze upon iconic warships—Verny Park’s Rose Festa 2025 brings together nature, culture, and history in one unforgettable spring weekend. Discover 1,300 roses at their peak while enjoying Yokosuka’s vibrant harbor vibes.

When: May 24th (Sat) – 25th (Sun), 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Rain or shine)
Where: Verny Park, 1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 〒238-0042

Event Overview

Dates: May 24 (Sat) & 25 (Sun), 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Rain or shine)
Location: Verny Park

Celebrate spring in full bloom at Yokosuka’s Verny Park, where 1,300 roses across 130 varieties await. The annual Rose Festa transforms this French-style garden by the sea into a vibrant, sensory celebration of flowers, music, and local flavors.

Festival Highlights:

Enjoy a range of activities and entertainment during the Rose Festa weekend:

Rose & Garden Market

• Rose Plant Sales: Purchase rose plants to grow your own garden at home.
• Crafts & Souvenirs: Discover local crafts and gifts at the market stalls.

Local Food Vendors

• Savor a variety of dishes and treats from Yokosuka’s beloved food stalls.

Live Music Performances

• May 24 (Sat): Performance by the Yokosuka City Fire Department Band
• May 25 (Sun): Relax with the sounds of live jazz music

Whether you’re here for the flowers, the food, or the festive atmosphere, Verny Park’s Rose Festa offers something for everyone—all set against the backdrop of Yokosuka’s scenic harbor.

A Bit of History: Verny Park and Yokosuka

Verny Park, originally named Rinkai Park, was redesigned in 2001 to reflect the elegance of a French-style garden. It honors François Léonce Verny, a French engineer who helped modernize Japan’s naval industry in the 19th century.

In the 1860s, following Japan’s opening to the world, Verny oversaw the construction of the Yokosuka Shipyard, which later became the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal. He also contributed to building Japan’s first Western-style lighthouse—the Kannonzaki Lighthouse—earning him the title “Father of Japanese Lighthouses.”

Today, the park combines its rich maritime history with a blooming rose garden of over 1,300 rose bushes, offering both scenic beauty and historical depth.

Explore More Around Verny Park

Enhance your visit with these nearby cultural and historical sites:

Yokosuka Modern Heritage Museum Thibaudier Residence

• A Meiji-era Western-style residence built around 1869.
• Once home to Jules César Claude Thibaudier, vice director of the Yokosuka Shipyard.
• One of the oldest surviving Western-style buildings in Japan.

Concurrent Event: “Spring Rose Days” at the Thibaudier Residence

On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, the Thibaudier Residence will host a concurrent event called “Spring Rose Days.” Fresh roses will decorate the terrace and interior exhibit zones, enhancing the seasonal ambiance. A large bouquet of fresh roses will also be on display inside the recreated zone—perfect for photo opportunities.

Additionally, a limited number of rose petal sachets, made using petals from the roses in Verny Park, will be available for purchase. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the beautiful roses in full bloom.

Verny Memorial Museum

• Dedicated to François Verny and the history of the Yokosuka Shipyard.
• Features two of Japan’s oldest steam hammers, imported in 1866.
• These are designated Important Cultural Properties symbolizing Japan’s modernization.

Former Yokosuka Naval Port Hemi Wharf Gate

• A historic gate built around 1930, originally known as the Naval Port Main Gate Pillars.
• Notable for its copper dome towers, said to resemble children’s hats.

These spots provide deeper insight into Yokosuka’s transformation from a naval hub to a modern city—perfect for history lovers and urban explorers alike.

A Spring Day to Remember in Yokosuka

Imagine strolling through fragrant rose gardens, with the gentle sea breeze and a warship in the distance—a scene that defines Verny Park during the Rose Festa. Whether you’re here for the flowers, the live music, or the coastal charm, this festival captures the essence of Yokosuka in spring.

Discover More in Yokosuka

Complete your visit by exploring Yokosuka’s local cuisine, shopping streets, and other seasonal events. From Navy Curry to Dobuita Street fashion, the city offers surprises beyond the rose garden.