Photo= A mother and children enjoy colorful "ice tulips" in full bloom (Aquatic Plants Garden Mizunomori, Oroshimo-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture)

"Ice tulips," or tulips that bloom in winter, are now at their peak at Aquatic Plants Garden Mizunomori in Oroshimo-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Flowers in shades of red, pink, purple and other colors are in full bloom, showing an early sign of spring.

"Ice tulips" are brought into bloom through the temperature gap caused by the bulbs first being frozen and then placed outside. They are popular in this season when there is less color in the garden. Last year there were approximately 1,000 tulips of 7 varieties, whereas there are about 2,600 tulips of 16 varieties this year. Currently about 1,000 tulips can be seen as some flowers have already been removed from the exhibition.

On February 24, Shiga Prefecture was covered with high atmospheric pressure. That day's high in Otsu City was 12.5 degrees Celsius, a temperature usual for mid-March, according to the Hikone Local Meteorological Office. The splendor was increased by tulip varieties such as "Purple Flag," "White Dream." Children and parents visiting the garden raptly viewed them. The tulips can be enjoyed until mid-March. There is an entrance fee.