In September, for about one to two weeks, there’s a tourist spot called Kinchakuda in Takada City, Saitama Prefecture, where the park is dyed bright red with red spider lilies.
Welcome to my blog! When I visited, it was the perfect time to see it – the park was completely covered in vibrant red flowers as far as the eye could see, truly overwhelming.
It’s just a half-day trip from Tokyo, making it a highly recommended destination for those visiting the city during this season.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
In Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture, there’s a place called Kinchakuda Manjushage Park where every September, cluster amaryllis bloom. The entire area of the 22-hectare park is dyed in vibrant red, presenting a stunning sight. When I first visited this park, I was captivated by the abundance and beauty of these flowers. If you have the chance to visit Tokyo during this season, I highly recommend paying a visit.
The park is filled with trees, and the ground underneath is covered in red spider lilies. Amongst this setting, pathways have been carefully arranged. Blooming begins near the upper part of the park along the river and gradually extends to the middle and lower areas. Once the flowers bloom, they remain at their peak for about five days, making it crucial to check the blooming status. The timing of the blossoms varies each year depending on the weather conditions, but you can find updates on the blooming status posted on Facebook, so it’s essential to check in advance.
It takes about an hour to explore the entire 22-hectare park. If you’re taking photos along the way, it might take an hour and a half to two hours.
The park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the admission fee is 500 yen per person.
Culture, History, and Traditions
About Red Spider Lilies
Red spider lilies, known as “Higanbana” in Japanese, are bulbous flowers that bloom from late summer to autumn. Some varieties bloom in autumn, while others bloom in summer. Originally, they were only red, but nowadays, there are numerous varieties in colors such as white, pink, and yellow.
When exploring rural areas, it’s common to spot red spider lilies blooming along roadsides, especially near rice fields and graveyards.
These flowers are intentionally planted in specific areas for a reason. The bulbs of red spider lilies contain toxins that can lead to poisoning if accidentally consumed. In the past, people were aware of this and planted red spider lilies at the boundaries of fields to deter moles and mice. They were also planted in graveyards to protect buried bodies from the same creatures. Please exercise caution, as the sap from the stems can cause skin irritation if touched.
Origin of the Name
Around 30 years ago, it was discovered that red spider lilies grew abundantly here. This land is located where the Komagawa River makes a sharp bend. It’s believed that the bulbs of the red spider lilies, carried downstream and mixed among other items, washed ashore and rooted in this area. Currently, this land has been transformed into walking paths and a park, embellished with flowers like lotus, cosmos, and rapeseed, bringing color to each season.
The name “巾着田” (Kinchakuda) has two origins. First, the character “田” (meaning fields) was added because this land used to be a field. Second, when viewed from the summit of Mount Hiwada-yama, it is said that this land resembles a traditional Japanese purse, or “巾着” (kinchaku), which is tied shut with a cord. Hence, the name “Kinchaku” was given. It takes about a 30-minute walk to reach the summit of Mount Hiwada-yama. On clear days, you can enjoy views of the Chichibu Mountain Range and even Mount Fuji from there.
Dining Guide
During the blooming season of the red spider lilies, several food stalls gather in the parking area. Apart from that, there are hardly any restaurants near the Koma Station or the park. For meals and breaks, it’s recommended to visit places in downtown Tokyo or around Hanno Station.
Accommodation
It’s located about an hour and a half away from accommodations in downtown Tokyo, making it convenient to travel to and from the city.
Transportation
To get to the park from Tokyo, you can use the train services. Start your journey from Ikebukuro Station, part of the JR Yamanote Line encircling central Tokyo, and take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
From Ikebukuro Station, you have two main options:
1. Take a train from Ikebukuro to Hanno Station and transfer to a bus from there.
2. Travel from Ikebukuro to Hanno Station and then change trains to head to Koma Station.
In both cases, board a train bound for Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line at Ikebukuro Station. There are approximately three express trains per hour, taking around 50 minutes to reach Hanno Station with limited stops.
Additionally, you can choose a semi-express train, which takes a bit longer but is also available at a fare of around 500 yen, similar to regular trains.
Trains from Hanno Station to Koma Station operate roughly twice per hour. Buses from Hanno Station to Kinchakuda are available around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, with approximately four buses during those hours. However, at other times, there’s typically only about one bus per hour.
If you decide to take a bus from Hanno Station, you can reach Kinchakuda Bus Stop in about 15 minutes for around 350 yen. Alternatively, it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from Koma Station to Kinchakuda.
For bus schedule information, you can refer to the bus company’s website.
Weather Guide
The climate in Hidaka City is very similar to Tokyo’s. In September, during the blooming season of red spider lilies, it’s still comfortable to wear short sleeves. Although daytime temperatures remain warm, the oppressive humidity of midsummer begins to diminish. Additionally, mornings and evenings are pleasantly mild, creating a comfortable atmosphere for outdoor activities.
