If you are planning a trip to Japan, but are not sure which season would be best, consider mid-July to mid-August if you'd like to see ponds full of the world's most beautiful flower: the Japanese Lotus. Large, soft and leafy, it is a perfect combination of lovely pink petals and wide, detailed, green leaves. There are a few places in Kanagawa and Tokyo that have lotus ponds, including Ueno Park, Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, and this one here at Sankei-en Garden in Yokohama. Early mornings are best when all is serene and peaceful.