Red Spider Lily Festival at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park
An immense expanse of scarlet flowers marks the arrival of autumn at the Kinchakuda Manjushage Festival.
This annual event takes place in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture, a location easily accessible from central Tokyo.
The main attraction is the staggering collection of approximately five million red spider lilies that bloom in unison across the park’s fields.
These flowers are known in Japanese as manjushage, or as higanbana because they typically flower around the autumnal equinox, known as ohigan.
The park itself is named Kinchakuda, meaning “pouch field,” which accurately describes the shape of the land, formed by a sharp bend in the nearby Koma River.
While the festival is a popular celebration, the red spider lily holds a complex place in Japanese culture, where it is traditionally associated with death, the afterlife, and final goodbyes.
For this reason, the flowers are often seen growing in cemeteries.
Historically, the plant’s poisonous bulbs were purposefully planted around rice paddies and graveyards to deter moles, mice, and other pests, a practical application that contributed to its cultural associations.
During the festival period, the park offers more than just the floral spectacle; visitors can often find stalls selling local food and drinks, creating a lively atmosphere.
The striking red ground cover provides an exceptional opportunity for photography, drawing enthusiasts from all over the region.
Event Details
- Official Name: Kinchakuda Manjushage Matsuri (巾着田曼珠沙華まつり)
- Location: Kinchakuda Manjushage Park, Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture
- Dates: Typically mid-September to early October. The exact timing of the bloom is dependent on weather conditions each year.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Admission: A fee of ¥500 for adults is charged at the entrance during the peak festival period.
Tips for Visitors
- Check First: Always check the official festival website before your visit for the most current information on bloom status, dates, and admission requirements.
- Avoid Crowds: Weekends can become extremely crowded, so consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
- Comfortable Shoes: The park is large, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- Do Not Touch: The bulbs of the red spider lily are poisonous; for safety, please admire the flowers without touching them.
How to get there
By Car: For those driving, a free shuttle bus service may be available from the Koma Shrine Parking Lot to the park on peak days. Please confirm operating dates and times on the official website.
By Train: The most common route is taking the Seibu Ikeburo Line from Ikeburo Station in Tokyo to Koma Station. The journey takes about one hour, and the park is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the station.
By Bus: An alternative option is to take a bus from Hanno Station to the park.
Event Summary
| calendar_month DATE | Mid Sept - Early Oct |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm |
| payments Cost | ¥500 |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Kinchakuda |
|---|---|
| map Area | Saitama |
| category CATEGORY | Flowers |
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