5 Million Red Spider Lilies in Saitama
Imagine a forest floor covered in five million red spider lilies. That was the incredible promise of Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama, a spectacle I had to photograph in September 2022. But getting the shot meant embarking on an adventure. It involved a two-hour train ride and navigating a sea of people that rivaled the number of flowers.
A photo sparked a journey
My desire to visit was triggered by a previous trip to photograph red spider lilies at Nogawa Park. I was so impressed by that experience that I went online searching for an even grander display. That’s how I discovered the incredible claim of five million plants at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park. The journey would take two hours—the farthest I’d traveled in recent memory. But it gave me the chance to ride a train line I’d never used before, something I always enjoy.
Let me tell you about that journey. It started like every other train trip, most innocently. But things changed for the worse the closer I got to my destination! Why? I went on a Sunday, and it seemed like every man, woman, and child in Tokyo had joined me. The Seibu Chichibu Line was standing-room only for the entire two-hour trip. I was most thankful for my Fujifilm gear. People often talk about how heavy full-frame cameras are, but the smaller, lighter X-Series system was a huge relief to carry during a long, uncomfortable journey.
Finally, we arrived at Koma Station, which was so small it didn’t even have a restroom. You had to go out the gates to find them. And the line of people to use them? That extended back about fifty meters. They probably get used most during the red spider lily festival!
Navigating the sea of people and petals
We then had a fifteen-minute walk to Kinchakuda Manjushage Park. The route twisted and turned. I didn’t have to use my phone’s map app. The huge crowd led the way. As far as I could see, it was a sea of people in every direction.
After paying the entrance fee at the gate, I joined the crowd inside. The paths were so crowded. When I took photos, I had to wait and wait. I took photos when the people in each frame was minimal.
And the claim for five million spider lilies? It was accurate! The forest floor was red. Lilies covered them like a blanket in many areas.
It was a good day of flower photography, but not a great one. The crowd was far too big for that. I couldn’t find a rhythm. It was a learning experience, so I didn’t leave disappointed. I got some reasonable photos.
My key takeaways for your visit
- Bring a zoom lens. The best, untrampled flowers are further from the packed walkways. A longer lens is essential to isolate them.
- Pack a flash. The forest creates dramatic patches of light and shadow. A flash will help you properly expose the lilies in darker areas.
- Go on a weekday. My Sunday trip was a battle with crowds. Avoid weekends and public holidays to avoid the crowds and find your rhythm.
- Plan your meals. Koma is a small station with few options. There is a 7-Eleven near the park for essentials, but for a proper meal, research restaurants in advance.
- Learn more on the official Kinchakuda Manjushage Park website.
Conclusion: Was it worth it?
So, is the journey to Kinchakuda Manjushage Park worth it? Despite the two-hour train ride and the overwhelming crowds, for a dedicated photographer, the answer is yes. The sheer scale of five million lilies creating a carpet of red is a sight to behold. Go on a weekday, go prepared, and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable photography experience. I know I’ll be back to improve my technique—that sea of red is a challenge worth revisiting.
Red Spider Lilies photo gear
Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T3
Lenses:
- XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
- XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Date of Photos: 25 September 2022
