Before we dive into the sea of flowers, let’s get to know the manjushage a little better! Known in English as the red spider lily, one of its most unusual traits is that its flowers and leaves never appear at the same time. When the blooms emerge, there’s no foliage in sight, and by the time the leaves grow, the flowers are gone.

Its long, slender petals curl outward like tiny bursts of red fireworks, giving the flower its instantly recognizable appearance. The blooming period is remarkably short, usually falling in mid-September to early October, with peak color lasting just one to two weeks.

Despite its somewhat mysterious image, the flower language associated with manjushage includes meanings such as “passion” and “independence.” Seen en masse at Kinchakuda, the effect is especially striking.

The charming name “Kinchakuda” comes from the way the Koma River winds around this stretch of land, wrapping it into a shape resembling a traditional Japanese drawstring pouch, or kinchaku.

The vast spider lily colony here was actually a natural discovery. After overgrown riverbeds were cleared around 1989, huge numbers of manjushage that had been growing wild underneath became visible. It is thought that bulbs were carried downstream by floods over many years, washed ashore along the Koma River, and gradually took root across Kinchakuda.

Today, the park is divided into an early-blooming "upstream area" and a late-blooming "downstream area", Around 300,000 people visit this area during spider lily season each year.

Getting to Kinchakuda is easy: once you arrive at Koma Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line, you’ll spot a sign decorated with spider lilies right away. From there, follow the crowds and the directional signs, and you’ll be there in no time!

During the manjushage blooming season, admission is 500 yen, payable by cash or IC card. The park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but we recommend arriving early, since lines can build up if you show up after midday!

You can wander through the main flower area fairly quickly, but allow around 60–90 minutes if you want to explore the different blooming zones, stop by the river, and take plenty of photos.

Walk slowly in from the entrance, and you’ll immediately see the ground carpeted with blooming spider lilies. Unlike most flower fields that sit under the blazing sun, Kinchakuda’s spider lilies grow within a quiet grove of trees. As you stroll along the path, sunlight filters through the dense canopy, and light and shadow dance across the crimson blooms, creating a dreamlike sense of being lost in an enchanted forest.

Editor's photo tip:
For a stunning shot of the manjushage, try lowering your camera angle slightly along the flower path. Position your lens just above the flowers and shoot from a low angle to capture the crimson carpet stretching endlessly into the distance. The visual impact is guaranteed to be a perfect ten!

The crystal-clear Koma River hugs Kinchakuda’s entire perimeter. While the blooms closest to the entrance tend to cluster further inland, head a bit further back and you’ll find spider lilies growing right along the riverbank.

You can also walk out onto the path that cuts through the flower field and shoot across the blooms for that classic “person surrounded by flowers” effect!

Listening to the lively chirping of cicadas or crickets while watching the cool river water reflect the fiery red spider lilies along its banks is a uniquely Kinchakuda autumn experience, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Since the spider lilies grow beneath the trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves creates natural contrast across the flower field. If you’ve brought a camera, look for flowers caught in a beam of sunlight against a darker backdrop, then adjust your aperture to capture a moody, high-contrast shot.

Step into Kinchakuda and you’ll be greeted by a sea of red as far as the eye can see. But keep an eye on the ground, because in a few spots you’ll spot a handful of rare white spider lilies too.

The white spider lily, also known as mandarage, is often associated with meanings like “eternal longing” and “purity.” Unlike the red variety, which carries a slightly wistful, melancholic air, the white spider lily is said to bloom along the path to paradise, giving it a more sacred, otherworldly feel.

The Manjushage Festival isn’t just about the flowers! During the bloom season, plenty of local food stalls set up shop, selling everything from ice cream and beef skewers to rice balls. A nearby shaded seating area lets you rest your feet and refuel after all that walking. While some shops accept cashless payments, it would be a good idea to have some cash on hand for snacks.

You can even find matcha ice cream made with Sayama tea from the surrounding area, the perfect way to soak up the local flavor!

If you’re looking for a spot to sit down and enjoy a proper afternoon tea, Alishan Cafe is just a short trip from Kinchakuda. This wooden cafe, built around an organic, plant-based theme, offers riverside views from its outdoor terrace and serves delicious, healthy light meals, making it a popular lunch stop for visitors after a morning of flower viewing.

While Kinchakuda is best known for its autumn spider lilies, it actually has something beautiful to offer in every season! In spring, the banks of the Koma River burst into soft pink cherry blossoms and golden rapeseed flowers.

By early summer, families flock here to let their kids splash in the water, while the nearby rice paddies turn a lush, vibrant green. Winter brings no flowers, but a snow-covered Kinchakuda has its own quiet, serene beauty.

If you miss the autumn season this time around, add it to your bucket list and come back to experience a completely different side of Kinchakuda.

Ready to head out after reading all this? Before you go, be sure to double-check the access details and the latest bloom updates!

・Mosquito repellent: Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes are common around the damp, riverside forest in September.
・Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Many paths are unpaved and can become muddy.
・Photography & park rules: Tripods and monopods are typically prohibited during the peak Manjushage Festival to reduce congestion. Drones and other flying vehicles are also prohibited. Do not step into the flower beds, as the spider lily stems are very fragile.

Kinchakuda is easy to combine with other attractions in western Saitama. After seeing the spider lilies, consider heading to Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo,” where preserved warehouse-style buildings, traditional sweets shops, and historic streets make for an easy afternoon of sightseeing.

Another option is Moominvalley Park in nearby Hanno, a lakeside theme park inspired by the Moomin stories. Travelers with more time can also continue farther west to Chichibu, known for its mountain scenery, temples, and relaxed countryside atmosphere.

Pairing Kinchakuda with Kawagoe, Hanno, or Chichibu turns a flower-viewing visit into a fuller day trip from Tokyo.