9 Best Spots to See Spider Lilies Around Tokyo

Besides Japan’s iconic autumn leaves, there’s another often-overlooked natural wonder: the spider lily, known as Red spider lily or Manjusri The Japanese word for “autumn equinox.” These brightly colored flowers bloom in late summer to early fall, and their name reflects this, with the autumnal equinox being known as the other side.

The toxicity of spider lilies also makes them a natural deterrent to pests and animals near temples and cemeteries, leading to their association with death and the afterlife. These fiery red flowers are known for their spooky beauty and have even appeared in anime several times, such as Killerr and Tokyo Ghoul.

From tranquil temples to sprawling parks, find the best places to see the red spider lilies in bloom. The best part? Many of these spots are just a short journey from Tokyo, so keep reading to find out.

Spider lilies in Tokyo

1. Koishikawa Korakuen

Just a short walk from Iidabashi Station and Tokyo Dome, Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest and best-preserved Japanese gardens. Dating back to the early Edo period, the garden features ponds, hills, and masses of red spider lilies scattered along streams and pagodas. Near the east entrance, don’t miss the ginkgo grove, which turns a stunning golden spectacle in the fall.

2. Showa Kinen National Park

Located in Tachikawa, west of Tokyo, Showa Kinen National Park was established in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. The park is famous for its cherry blossom trees and autumn leaves, but also for its stunning red flowers in late summer and early fall. Clusters of red flowers can be seen in Kimohi Village (a recreation of a 1950s rural landscape), as well as around Kimohigaoka and the Kinai Bridge.

3. Joint Forest Historical Museum

The Kyoto Forest Museum of History is a large open-air museum in the western suburbs of Fuchu City that preserves buildings from various periods of Japanese history, from traditional farmhouses to shops. The sprawling complex is also home to 400,000 red and white spider lily bulbs. The museum’s annual Manjusaka Festival, now in its 70th year, takes place on weekends and holidays until October 6. Don’t miss your chance to visit the museum and admire its intricate architecture. Amezaiku Sweets for sale at a festival stall.

4. Nogawa Park

Located in Mitaka City, Nogawa Park is a popular recreational spot for locals, with various walking trails, sports facilities, and barbecue areas along the Nogawa River. After a leisurely picnic on the wide lawn, head to the Nature Observation Garden to admire the stunning scenery: fields of fiery red spider lilies and rare white spider lilies dot the scene.

5. Mizumoto Park

In addition to its iconic cherry blossoms and bird-watching-friendly waterfront, Mizumoto Park offers a hidden gem for photographers and nature lovers in late summer and early fall. This expansive park has a dedicated area called Higanbana Hill, where bright red-flowered amaryllis bloom. You can also see clusters of amaryllis along the sidewalks and on the path to Katori Shrine.

Spider lilies in Saitama Prefecture

6. Kanazawada Monjushi Park

If you’re looking for the most impressive spider lily display in Japan, look no further than Hidaka City’s Kinchoda Red Spider Flower Park. Kinchoda means “bag field,” aptly describing the park’s central plain, nestled between the flowing Koma River and its surrounding waters. In peak season, up to five million spider lilies bloom simultaneously, turning the park’s central area into a stunning expanse of crimson as far as the eye can see. From September 8 to October 2, seize the opportunity to snap Instagram-worthy photos at the park’s Red Spider Flower Festival, and enjoy stalls selling fresh produce and Hidaka specialties.

7. Hurong Gongendang Park

Home to more than 3 million spider lilies, Kenei Gongendo Park in Satte is a must-see. During the Satte Monju Festival, held from mid-September to early October each year, the park is transformed into a stunning spectacle when red spider lilies bloom and cover the hills. Admission to the park is free, and you can also stop by the Toge no Chaya (tea house) to sample homemade bread and Satte specialties.

8. Tenjin Bridge

The grassy area around Tenjin Bridge is popular with photographers and cyclists, and is especially beautiful in the fall when the red spider lilies bloom. To see the red spider lilies, simply walk along the embankments on either side of the bridge, and you’ll likely see them growing in clusters along the riverbank. Continue down the Opi River and you’ll come to Kinfu Soy Sauce Park, where you can grab a bite to eat.

Bonus: Spider Lilies in Ibaraki Prefecture

9. Guxing Temple

For those who don’t mind going a little further to enjoy the beauty of red spider lilies, the best option is to plan a day trip to the city of Joso in Ibaraki Prefecture. Kyugyoji Temple is home to 50,000 spider lilies, and you’ll also find rare white and yellow varieties scattered throughout the temple grounds. The temple also has important historical roots as the final resting place of Senhime, daughter of Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada. While it was believed that only her hair was buried at the shrine, a renovation in 1997 revealed that her bones were also buried at the temple.

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