Setting the landscape ablaze: Kochia in Japan

Not arriving in Japan for the beautiful warm colors of autumn? Then this is what you should expect in the month of October.

What is Kochia?

Kochia is also known as summer cypress, fireweed, burning bush and the reason for it is quite obvious. The lush green Kochia shrub in summer takes on a fiery hue as autumn approaches in Japan. Let's see where you can see these close to Tokyo.

Hitachi Seaside Park (国営ひたち海浜公園)

Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, consists of an amusement park, meadows, cycling paths, BBQ area, but it is best known for its seasonal flowers. From mid-September to late October, the Miharashi Hill is carpeted with kochia.

Around 30,000 gorgeous balls of fire color this hill in bright red. Kochias are green from the beginning of July to the end of September, then turn red around the beginning of October. On a clear day, you can get breathtaking shots with the blue sky and sea in the background with kochia for company.

The best part is cosmos also bloom at around the same time!

As anywhere this beautiful in Japan, expect crowds and getting your ideal shots might be tricky especially when you're competing with doggies for spots! The park itself is massive so we suggest renting a bicycle! Access: Bus from Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line; Direct highway buses also available from Tokyo Station Entry fee: 450 yen Official website: http://en.hitachikaihin.jp/

Oishi Park (大石公園)

Oishi Park at the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi offers a superb view of both the lake & Mt. Fuji. Throughout the year, you can see various flowers but one of the most popular views is that of blazing red kochia and Mt. Fuji.

If you plan to spend a day around Lake Kawaguchi, then check out this feature: Spend time around Lake Kawaguchi and admire Mt. Fuji Access: Bus from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line and get off at Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsu-kan; direct highway bus from Tokyo or Shinjuku Station Entry Free Official Website: https://en.kawaguchiko.net/park-en/oishi-park/

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