More than just Tokyo's next-door-neighbor, Saitama Prefecture has plenty to offer the Japan traveler. Visitors to the region during spring have the opportunity to check out some fantastic flower displays, and this guide covers five of them.
Konosu City
Konosu City often gets the nickname of "flower town", and with good reason. This part of Saitama is home to some of the country's largest poppy fields - around 12.5 hectares of them, in fact. That equates to roughly 10 million flowers in total, ensuring there's plenty of floral beauty to go around.
555 Takimamuro, Konosu, Saitama 365-0044
Hitsujiyama Park
Histujiyama Park lies at the foot of Mount Buko, where you'll find 400,000 shibazakura plants from 9 varieties in an area of about 17,600 square meters. Typically, there is a Shibazakura Festival held here from mid-April through until Golden Week (April 29 - May 5), and details about the event can be found on the official Chichibu area website closer to the season.
6360 Omiya, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0023
Tokaen
If you like a little history with your blooms, look no further than the Tokaen Wisteria Garden. The wisteria here are estimated to be around 1200 years old, and they've been designated as a Natural Monument of Japan since 1938. You can learn more about their rich history via this Japan Travel article.
786 Ushijima, Kasukabe, Saitama 344-0004
Omiya Hana-no-Oka Garden
If sakura and tulips are two of your floral favorites, you can enjoy them both at the same time at the Omiya Hana-no-Oka Garden. If you can't visit during spring, the garden is also known for its display of red salvia flowers around the August timeframe.
124 Nishiarai, Nishi Ward, Saitama, 331-0049
Nagatoro
Listed as one of Japan's Top 100 sakura spots, Nagatoro is home to around 3000 cherry blossom trees and several top vantage points to appreciate them from. Kita Sakura Dori Avenue and Minami Sakura Dori Avenue are lined with trees creating sakura tunnels, and the road approaching Hodosan Shrine is filled with cherry trees in various types.
Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305
