Where to Find Red Kochia Trees in Japan: Best Places and

For those who have been complaining about the heat and humidity all September, this year’s postponement of peak autumn foliage across Japan will feel like an extra kick. After all, residents and tourists alike look forward to months of admiring the majestic beauty of maple and ginkgo leaves, even venturing to the most crowded temples and parks to frolic in a halo of jewel-toned light. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of natural wonders to enjoy before this beloved pair of fall foliage arrives in late November and early December.

One of these is the kochia grove, also known as the summer cypress tree. Despite its name, this fuzzy soussian plant is reminiscent of a truffle tree The Lorax It is most admired in the fall, when its needle-like leaves gradually change from lime green to bright red. Unlike some short-lived seasonal plants, kochia can be viewed from mid-July to early November, when they change from green to red to golden brown.

Summer green kochia shrub

The kochia plant is native to the dry lands of Eurasia but is also found in parts of North America. In Japan, Kochia is sometimes called Bosnia and Herbatranslated as “broom grass” or “broom grass”. The seeds produced by this plant are called thongburiIn Akita Prefecture, this caviar is processed into a delicacy with a caviar-like texture, sometimes called “field caviar” or “land caviar.”

In recent years, these plants have become increasingly popular for their unique aesthetic appeal. Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture gave kochia its Instagram fame, but many other parks across Japan now have a patch of kochia for visitors to view along with other fall flowers.

Kochia in Hokkaido and Tohoku

Sapporo City, Hokkaido: Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

Peak season: Mid to late October

National Takino Suzuran Hillside ParkThe only national park in Hokkaido, covering an area of ​​nearly 400 hectares. The park is divided into four areas with forest, outdoor activity areas and learning areas. The Central District has many seasonal plants, including kochia, dahlias, cosmos and maples. It is worth noting that Sapporo sees autumn leaves earlier than other areas, which is why Takino Suzuran Hillside Park holds the Autumn Leaves Festival earlier than other areas. This year’s event will be held from October 12th to 17th.

Kawasaki City, Miyagi Prefecture: Mutsu Park

Peak season: Mid-October to early November

National Mutsu Park There is a children’s playground, an education-focused historic village (Hometown Village) and a wildflower meadow. In addition to rows of kochia, families can see fields of yellow and orange cosmos flowers and red maple trees surrounding the hometown village.

Guandong Kochia Semen

Hitachi Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture: Hitachi Seaside Park

Peak season: Mid to late October

As mentioned above, National Hitachi Seaside Park Famous for its blooming sea of ​​blue pink butterfly flowers in spring, it is one of Japan’s most popular Kochia grounds. In particular, it only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by express train from Shinagawa Station to Katsuda Station, so many Tokyo residents take a day to visit the park. Visitors line up to wander the vast lawns, marveling at the seemingly infinite stretch of scarlet. For a sizzling foliage forecast – and a handy crowd congestion forecast – check here.

Sodeura City, Chiba Prefecture: Tokyo German Village

Peak season: mid october

If Hitachi Seaside Park is crowded, you can go Tokyo Country Farm German Village. While the journey by train and bus takes two to three hours, if you travel by car you can arrive in under an hour (subject to traffic congestion, of course). This amusement park has flowers blooming year-round and an impressive light show in the winter.

Kochia centralis

Fujikawaguchiko, Shanxi County: Oishi Park

Peak season: mid october

Oishi Park Located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, it offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, seemingly perched on fiery red fields of kochia. This picturesque location is a photographer’s dream and is ideal for those who want to enjoy the crisp autumn air while taking a leisurely stroll around the lake. The park is an easy day trip from Tokyo, with bus and train options available.

Kochia kochia from Kansai

Suita City, Osaka Prefecture: Expo ’70 Memorial Park

Peak season: Mid to late October

Easily accessible from central Osaka Expo 70 Memorial Park There are about 3,500 kochia shrubs, next to a field of cosmos flowers and pink muhli grass. Like Hitachi Seaside Park, Expo Park can get very crowded during peak season. If you could handle the crowds – but that’s not the case also Insufferable, visit during the 2024 Kochia and Cosmos Festival, which will take place from October 5 to November 4. The park is adjacent to the LaLaport Expocity Mall, so you can spend a full day in the area.

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture: Kobe Fuhiki Herb Garden

Peak season: until late October

One of Kobe’s highlights, Kobe Fuhiki Herb Garden and Ropeway Within walking distance to Shin-Kobe Station and Kobe Sannomiya Station. Take the cable car to the observation deck at the summit station, then gradually descend to enjoy the view of Kobe and Osaka Bay amidst a variety of fragrant seasonal flowers and herbs. While this garden doesn’t have as many kochia as Expo Park, its convenient location, fall festivals, and famous night views make it a must-see.

Kochia kochia from Shikoku and China

Provided by Sanuki Manno Park

Manno City, Kagawa Prefecture: Sanuki Manno Park

Peak season: mid october

spreading Sanuki Manno National ParkFeaturing waterfalls, bamboo forests, bicycle trails and camping grounds, it is Shikoku’s only national park. The 6,000 kochia trees planted here have just begun to change color, changing from bright red in mid-October to reddish-brown in late October. As of October 27, the park will be operating Free shuttle service Departs from JR Kotohira Station and Kotoden Kotohira Station.

Sanyo Onoda, Yamaguchi Prefecture: Sea of ​​Flowers

Peak season: Mid to late October

Yamaguchi Prefecture sea ​​of ​​flowersIts name means “Sea of ​​Flowers” and it is one of the largest agricultural farms in western Japan. In addition to a vast “sea” of seasonal flowers, the farm also offers visitors a fruit and vegetable harvest experience. In addition to the fall kochia season, we recommend going strawberry picking in the winter and spring and viewing the farm’s stunning 700,000 sunflowers in the summer.

Kyushu Kochia

Provided by Kai Naka Road Waterfront Park

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture: Uminakamichi Seaside Park

Peak season: Mid to late October

in Fukuoka Prefecture National-owned Kai Naka Road Seaside Parkyou can admire approximately 2,000 kochia plants and 1 million cosmos plants. The park is great for animal lovers and children, as visitors can interact with capybaras, kangaroos and red-faced spider monkeys. You can even try horseback riding in the park. If your main purpose is to view the flowers, head to the west entrance, which is about a 10-minute walk from JR Saitosaki Station.

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