In early June, the lovely Itako Riverside Iris Park in Itako, Ibaraki sees about 1 million irises bloom in 500 varieties. To celebrate, the Suigo Itako Iris Festival has been held from late May to late June every year since 1952. During the festival, a variety of events unique to Itako are held, such as the Yomeiri-Bune ("Bride on a Boat"), mentioned in the 1960 hit song "Itako Hanayome-san," and the traditional Ayame Dance (Dance of the Irises). The festival also features the Ro-bune rowboats, used as transportation since ancient times, providing plenty of opportunities to sightsee along the Mae River.