As you’ll know for those who learn this website with any regularity, I fairly actually journey to Japan for the flowers. And never simply the sakura, though I sometimes take one devoted cherry blossom journey each different yr, no less than.
A few of these are simpler to include into my travels than others. Azaleas (tsutsuji) and wisteria (fuji), for instance, can usually be mixed with sakura, since these flowers all are inclined to bloom in the course of the month of April, after I nearly at all times are typically in Japan anyway.
The purple spider lilies in Japan, then again, attain their peak round October 1—and that’s not sometimes my favourite time to go to Japan. Just lately, nevertheless, I managed to see them regardless of this.
Why Higanbana Are Japan’s Hardest Flower to See
On one hand, the bloom of the Saitama spider lilies is refreshing. They are often in a state at or approaching full bloom for a number of weeks, which implies that for those who occur to be in Japan round they time they bloom (roughly every week earlier than—or more and more, in recent times, after October 1), you’ll in all probability appear them close to their full expression. Within the worst case, for those who’re “late,” the flowers could also be extra of a uninteresting, darkish pink than a vibrant purple.
The problem right here is that this time of yr, in my view, is simply not among the best home windows for visiting Japan. It’s far too early for autumn colours in many of the nation; temperatures and humidity are sometimes each extraordinarily excessive, even when they aren’t accompanied by the arrival of a storm. On the similar time, the advantages of touring in the course of the summer season (specifically, the matsuri) are absent. And so except you simply occur to be in Japan, you need to be intentional about visiting to see these flowers.
Tips on how to Go to Kinchakuda Park
Contemplate renting a automotive
You will get all the way in which to Kinchakuda Park by public transport—and there’s an argument that that is the higher choice, given the parking scenario throughout higabana season. Then again, in case you have two or extra folks, the price of renting a automotive and driving is much like how a lot you’d pay by way of prepare and bus, so I’d personally go the automotive route if I have been you.
(Or put together for an extended prepare journey)
To make certain, seeing the Japan spider lily fields by way of public transportation requires a few steps. First, you’ll have to journey the JR Ikebukuro Line (ideally a Speedy or Specific service) from Ikebukuro Station (itself as much as 45 minutes from different components of Tokyo) to Hanno Station. You’ll then have to journey a bus or get a taxi the remainder of the way in which to the park, or get a prepare to Soma Station and stroll ~20 minutes from there.
Do a full walk-through first
I obtained so excited upon coming into the “first” space of the park (and seeing it kind of in full bloom) that I almost missed a second part that was in even fuller bloom. With a view to keep away from losing your restricted time within the park (which will likely be hectic sufficient anyway, because of the crowds), I recommend strolling by way of all of its first, earlier than you’re taking any pictures, after which coming again to the components you discovered most photogenic later.
Verify the web site earlier than you go
The excellent news? The official web site of Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is up to date each day between the final third of September and the primary third of October, with each descriptions of the flowering scenario, in addition to photographic proof of it. The maybe-bad information is that the web site is simply in Japanese, although utilizing a browser like Google Chrome (which live-translates textual content) ought to make this a moot level.
Cease in Kawagoe on the way in which again
One other benefit of going to see the spider lilies by way of automotive? It’s simple to cease in Kawagoe in your method again to Tokyo. I’m referring, in fact, to the small city well-known for its Edo-period Toki-no-kane bell tower and Taisho Roman outdated road, in addition to the presence of each unagi (eel) and imo (candy potato) in its delicacies. It’s actually on the identical street you’ll have to take to achieve the capital anyway.
Different Issues to Do in Saitama-ken
Saitama is a misleading prefecture—its proximity to Tokyo would lead you to consider that there isn’t quite a bit to do there that’s distinct from what’s on supply within the capital. That is false, in fact:
- Essentially the most well-known vacation spot in Saitama-ken is the aforementioned Kawagoe, an outdated city typically often called “Little Edo” due to its architectural model.
- Though a lot much less fashionable and in a unique a part of the prefecture, Omiya Bonsai Village is an especially fulfilling (and really simple) day journey from Tokyo.
- If in case you have a rental automotive and don’t thoughts venturing towards neighboring Gunma prefecture, you possibly can style distinctive leek ice cream on the Okabe Street Station.
(Clearly, it’s most rewarding for those who can pair your time at Kinchakuda spider lily park with one in all these actions, on the identical day if potential.)
Different FAQ About Spider Lilies in Japan
The place can I see purple spider lily in Japan?
Identified in Japanese as each higabana and manjushage, the purple spider lily blooms all all through Japan in late September and early October. Essentially the most spectacular place to see it, nevertheless, is on the Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama prefecture to the north and west of Tokyo.
What does the purple spider lily imply in Japanese tradition?
There isn’t a single that means for the higabana or manjushage. Mythologically, Japanese folks affiliate it with issues just like the afterlife and dying, and even simply the idea of farewell. Then again, some folks interpret it merely to indicate the tip of the summer season season and the start of autumn.
Do purple spider lilies develop in Japan?
Crimson spider lilies not solely develop in Japan, however are ubiquitous in lots of components of the nation all through the late summer season and early fall. Identified alternately as higabana and manjushage, these flowers have deep mythological significance, and in addition symbolize the change of seasons.
The Backside Line
In case you occur to be within the Tokyo space round October 1, I extremely advocate making a pilgrimage to see the purple spider lilies in Japan. They’re overwhelming of their magnificence—particularly when proper at full bloom—and pair properly with different locations in underrated Saitama prefecture. I’m pondering specifically concerning the outdated city of Kawagoe, typically often called “Little Edo,” however that is solely the start (particularly for those who plan to get there by rental automotive). In case you don’t have the time or bandwidth to see manjushage right here, the excellent news is that you could them elsewhere in Japan. The higher information? While you rent me to plan a customized Japan itinerary, that is solely the start of the insider ideas I’ll share!