A day filled with enchanting scenery and unforgettable moments awaits you and your significant other at the Manjushage Festival in Kinchakuda Manjushage Park, Hidaka. As you explore vibrant fields of red spider lilies and savour the local flavours, you’ll find that this is the perfect place to fall in love all over again amidst nature's breathtaking beauty.
Spider lilies in full bloom, putting on a red-hot show that’s impossible to miss.
Whether celebrating something special or simply looking to add a romantic touch to your Japan trip, this festival provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable escape together.
The festival: A sea of red for the perfect couple’s stroll
Imagine walking hand in hand through a vibrant sea of red spider lilies, their striking blooms creating a stunning carpet that stretches as far as the eye can see. At the Kinchakuda Manjushage Festival, over 22 hectares of land is covered with these breathtaking flowers, turning the park into a romantic paradise. The park’s unique purse-shaped landscape, viewed from Mt. Hiwada, adds charm.
As you wander through the fields, you’ll be treading the same paths that once hosted their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, who privately visited the festival in 2017.
Aiai Bridge: A romantic walk to remember
Enjoy the panoramic scene from Aiai Bridge, where you can admire the vibrant red spider lilies that stretch out below in a stunning display.
One of the highlights of your visit will undoubtedly be crossing the Aiai Bridge, a 91.2-meter-long wooden truss bridge that spans the Koma River. The longest bridge of its kind in Japan, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural beauty.
Getting There: A journey for two
The journey to Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is part of the fun. Just a 10-minute downhill walk from Koma Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line, the park is easily accessible from Ikebukuro, taking just over an hour. With around 300,000 visitors flocking to see the spider lilies during their blooming season, taking the train is your best bet. Parking is available but limited and costs ¥500 for regular cars and ¥100 for motorcycles.
The entrance fee at the door is JPY500 (SGD4.44) per person, granting you access to the festival’s stunning displays from 18 September to 2 October 2024. It’s a small cost for a day filled with romance and breathtaking scenery.
Make the most of your day with these activities
Now that you’ve soaked in the festival's beauty, it’s time to enjoy some activities that will make your romantic getaway even more special.
Picnic by the Kinchakuda Park
Relax and enjoy a picnic surrounded by vibrant flowers and stunning mountain views.
For a truly personal touch, plan a picnic. Bring along your favourite lunchboxes and find a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy your meal in the peaceful surroundings. The park's natural beauty sets the stage for meaningful conversations and plenty of laughter.
And if you didn’t bring your own food, no worries — food trucks are available, offering delicious local treats to enhance your picnic and make the day even more enjoyable.
Explore nearby attractions
Extend your romantic getaway by visiting some charming attractions near Kinchakuda Manjushage Park. After a five-minute walk from the park, you’ll discover the Komago Old Traditional House, a beautiful piece of late 19th-century Japanese architecture. The white walls and surrounding stone features create a peaceful, picturesque scene perfect for capturing a few more photos together.
Looking for something whimsical? Head over to the Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park, a free park just a 20-minute drive from Sayama-Hidaka IC on the Ken-o-do Highway. Inspired by correspondence with Tove Jansson, the world-famous Finnish children’s author, this enchanting destination has been beloved for generations. Parking is available for visitors.
Prefer to take the train? The park is a 20-minute walk from Motokaji Station on the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line or about 4 kilometers from Higashi-Hanno Station on the Seibu-Ikebukuro and JR Hachiko lines.
If you're planning to visit the nearby Moomin Valley Park, consider purchasing a discounted advance pass for a specific date. It's a charming spot that offers couples a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Moomin characters, adding a unique touch to your trip.
A romantic escape awaits
The spider lilies are in full bloom, ready to dazzle you with their fiery red hues in this natural masterpiece.
The Manjushage Festival at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park offers couples a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and whimsy. From the mesmerizing fields of spider lilies to the charming nearby attractions, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. Whether you’re picnicking by the riverside, exploring historical sites, or wandering through a fairy-tale park, this romantic getaway promises to create memories you’ll cherish together for years.