Red Spider Lilies at Nogawa Park
Red spider lilies at Nogawa Park! In previous years, I tried to see them many times. But for one reason or another, I always went too late in the season. Well, in September 2022, I made up for my past failures. This time, they were at their best. It was a great day for flower photography.
For these photos, I hoped to use my extension tubes. I bought them earlier this year and have only used them once. Believe it or not, I forgot to put them in my bag. I was livid when I got to the park and realized my mistake. Oh well, I had a camera, some lenses, and my flash. I could take photos.
If you don’t know about Nogawa Park, it’s between Tama and Shin-Koganei stations on the Seibu-Tamagawa line. Read the full article for more information.
Make your way to the Nature Observation Garden once in the park. Many big maps are on the pathways, so you shouldn’t get lost! Go through the gate, and walk to your left for the flowers.
How was my first visit to Nogawa Park’s red spider lilies?
It was satisfactory. The spider lilies didn’t cover the ground like a blanket, but it was close. Overcast skies muted the light which made for good photography conditions. I was happy.
The clouds occasionally let some sun through, and its beams lit some flowers with others in the shade. At times, it was nearly a fairy-tale feeling. I’m glad I took my flash.
How did I process these photos?
I applied the Velvia Fujifilm film simulation. That gave the red spider lilies a little more pop. It did make them look more vivid. Other Lightroom adjustments were minimal.
Red spider lily description
- Red spider lilies have narrow leaves that curve backward and long projecting stamens. Do they remind you of something? That’s how they got their name.
- In most photos, these flowers appear a vivid red. In real life, they look less so. I daresay many photographers turn the saturation and vibrance up. As I get more experience with them, this comment might change!
- They appear in early autumn.
Nature Observation Garden Notes
- Keep on the raised walkway.
- Tripods, easels, and monopods aren’t allowed.
A Brief History of Red Spider Lilies
- The Japanese name for them is higanbana (彼岸花). It means “flower of higan.” Higan is a Buddhist holiday around the autumnal equinox. It’s when people return to their hometowns to visit their ancestors’ graves. And that is why you don’t give anyone a bouquet of them!
- The bulbs of the plants are poisonous, so they keep pests and mice away from rice paddies and houses.
- When Christian martyrs were executed in Japan’s medieval period, red spider lilies marked their execution spots.
- A legend says these flowers bloom when you see someone you won’t meet again.
- Red spider lilies seem to be associated with many sad things. Maybe that is why they were once used at funerals in Japan.
Conclusion
The red spider lilies were beautiful for my visit. They were in perfect condition. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Well, if I had remembered to take my extension tubes, that would have been nice.
There are some other places in the Kanto area for the lilies. One day, I will see them. That might be in 2022, maybe 2023. Anyway, more pictures will be here one day.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more flower articles:
External related websites:
- Nogawa Park (official website)