[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

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[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

Autumn is the season when the beauty of nature is particularly striking. The temperature becomes mild and the air is clear and comfortable, making it the perfect time for outings and walks. The autumn leaves color the mountains, and the unique autumn scenery soothes our souls.

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Travelex Tours Co., Ltd.

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We offer a variety of travel services, mainly in the Kanto area, that allow you to enjoy the charms of each season, such as skiing, fireworks festivals, and experience plans. In the summer, tours of famous fireworks festivals around Japan and unique experience programs in Tokyo are popular. In the winter, we offer all-inclusive ski tours by bus from the Kanto region to popular ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata! If you're looking for a special trip to Japan, we'll suggest the perfect plan for you.

What comes to mind when you think of autumn?

Autumn leaves, autumn appetite, autumn art, autumn reading

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

Autumn is known as a season that offers many different ways to enjoy it. The temperature becomes milder and the air becomes clearer, making it the perfect time for outings and walks. The mountains change color and the beauty of nature is considered to be the most striking season of the year.

One plant you can't miss in the fall is "kochia," an annual plant known in Japanese as "hokigusa."

What kind of plant is "kochia," the cute and fluffy star of autumn?

Kochia is an annual plant of the Bassia genus in the Amaranthaceae family, and its Japanese name is "hokigusa." The name comes from the fact that mature stems were dried and used as brooms in the past. Kochia is characterized by its unique round and fluffy shape, making it a very cute looking plant.

From spring to summer, the bright green leaves of kochia give off a cool impression during the summer. However, in autumn, the leaves turn red and orange, creating a beautiful red carpet of autumn leaves. This seasonal change is the greatest charm of kochia!

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

Nowadays, it is also popular as an ornamental plant, and many people think of kochia when they think of autumn. It can be seen in parks and flower fields all over the country, and is loved as a seasonal feature. Please come and experience its beauty for yourself while feeling the changing colors of nature.

Perfect for an autumn trip! Must-see Kochia spots and best viewing times

The best time to see the autumn leaves of kochia varies depending on the region, but is generally from early to late October. As the temperature drops, the leaves gradually begin to change color, and you can enjoy gradations of red, orange, and yellow-green. In some highland areas, the leaves begin to change color from late September, so it is recommended to check the flowering situation before heading out.

🍁4 great spots to see the red kochia this fall!

1. Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a vast park where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons. In spring, it is famous for the blue carpet of nemophila, and in autumn, about 30,000 kochia plants turn bright red, creating a spectacular sight. In addition, tulips, poppies, cosmos and other flowers bloom beautifully, making it a place to see a variety of flowers.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁
[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

There is a restaurant in the park that uses fresh local ingredients, where you can enjoy seafood such as fried Mexicali, a specialty of Ibaraki, and monkfish hotpot. The gourmet food made with Hitachi beef is especially popular.

There are also plenty of tourist attractions in the surrounding area.

    Oarai Isosaki Shrine

It is a sacred place where history and nature blend together, providing healing and peace of mind to all who visit. The "Kamiiso no Torii" gate, which stands facing the sea from the shrine grounds, is known as a scenic spot in Ibaraki Prefecture, and if you visit at sunrise in particular, the reflection of the torii gate and the morning sun on the water creates a fantastical landscape. This beautiful scenery is also an extremely popular photo spot.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁
    Oarai Aquarium (Aqua World Oarai)

Located in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture, this is one of Japan's leading large aquariums, exhibiting a variety of sea creatures from around the world. Particularly noteworthy is the "Shark Sea Tank," which boasts the largest number of shark species in Japan. You can observe around 60 types of sharks up close. Another highlight is the largest sunfish tank in Japan, where you can enjoy watching the sunfish swimming leisurely in the large tank that holds 270 tons of water.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁
    Sakareisosaki Shrine

This historic shrine in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is known for its medical benefits, business success, and financial luck. There are several recommended sights to see here.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

[ Lucky Turtle ] There is a stone statue of the "Lucky Turtle" in the precincts that was donated by a person who won a large amount of money, and it is said that if you stroke the head of the turtle, your luck with money will improve. Many worshippers visit the shrine and pray for good fortune.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

[ Torii gate with a view of the ocean ] Halfway up the approach to the shrine, there is a torii gate that offers a panoramic view of the ocean. The torii gate, standing against the backdrop of the beautifully arched coastline, is soothing to the souls of all who visit, and is also a popular photo spot.

Sakatsuraisosaki Shrine is loved by many people for its historical architecture, beautiful nature, and as a power spot for increasing financial luck. Be sure to visit for worship, a stroll, and a prayer for good fortune.

Apply for the tour here!

2. Oishi Park

Oishi Park (Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture) is a popular spot with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. Flowers bloom in every season, and in autumn, the kochia flowers turn a vibrant red, creating a beautiful landscape known as a "carpet of kochia." In spring, the moss pinks are in full bloom, and in early summer, lavender is in full bloom, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flowers.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

There are also plenty of tourist attractions in the surrounding area.

    Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful lake and the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy the view from the lake on a pleasure boat or a sightseeing boat. There are also many cafes and restaurants on the lakeside where you can spend a relaxing time.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁
    Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a shrine that has been worshipped since ancient times, and the grounds contain historical buildings and beautiful gardens that are recommended for a stroll.
The worship site of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, commonly known as the "Torii Gate in the Sky," is a spectacular spot for worshiping Mt. Fuji that was built in 2019. The red torii gate stands alone on a plateau in the mountain forest, and the view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi beyond the gate has been described as "divine" and "breathtaking," attracting many visitors.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁
    Itchiku Takeyasu Art Museum

The Takeyasu Itchiku Art Museum is a museum that exhibits dyed and woven works that combine traditional craft techniques with contemporary art. You can take your time to appreciate the delicate and beautiful works. Based on the concept of "the trinity of people, nature, and art," the museum is filled with a space filled with healing and creativity. This is a recommended spot for anyone with an interest in art and beauty.

Apply for the tour here!

We also recommend touring the surrounding tourist spots, including Oishi Park, to experience the charms of the seasonal scenery and culture.

3. Tambara Kochia Garden

Located on the Tambara Plateau (approximately 1,250m above sea level) in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, the Tambara Kochia Garden is a flower garden that is open for a limited time. In the garden's vast area of approximately 8,000㎡, there are about 10,000 kochia plants (broom grass), as well as about 10,000 other flowers such as marigolds and salvia, creating a beautiful colorful landscape from late summer to autumn.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

The best time to see them is from late September to mid-October. The kochia change color from green to red, and the sight of the fluffy spheres painting the entire slope a deep red is a spectacular sight. There are times when you can enjoy the gradation of colors, and it is also a popular photo spot.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

The recommended gourmet foods in the garden are " Kokia Curry " and " Kokia Soft Serve Ice Cream ." You can enjoy limited menu items that are visually appealing, such as Kokia Curry with its distinctive red roux and three types of soft serve ice cream inspired by red and green Kochia.

In winter, it opens for business as "Tanbara Ski Park." It is easily accessible, about a two-hour drive from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and transforms into a popular ski resort with a variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers. There are also plenty of facilities for families, making it the perfect place for those new to snow fun.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

Recommended sightseeing spots in the area include Kawaba Ski Resort and Oigami Onsen , a famous hot spring where you can enjoy a day trip. You can also enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of Fukiware Falls , also known as the Niagara Falls of the Orient. Be sure to try the fresh yuba and Japanese sweets from Machidaya, a long-established store in Numata, as part of your trip.

Fukiware Falls<br>
Fukiware Falls

Apply for the tour here!

4. Tokyo German Village

Tokyo German Village (Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture) is a theme park with a vast area where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, an amusement park, and animal encounters. In particular, the red-colored kochia and cosmos flowers are at their best in the fall, and the winter illuminations are also very popular. The park also offers a wide variety of gourmet food where you can enjoy authentic German flavors, such as German-style sausages, craft beer, and pretzels.

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁
PHOTO BY Tokyo German Village<br>
PHOTO BY Tokyo German Village

Nearby is the largest outlet mall in Japan, Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu , which is home to many popular brands and restaurants, making it a great place for shopping. Mother Farm is also a recommended spot for families, where you can interact with animals and pick seasonal fruit.

Mother Farm<br>
Mother Farm

In addition, the Kominato Railway , which runs through the Boso Peninsula, is a popular local train with a nostalgic feel. Rape blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom along the line, attracting not only railway enthusiasts but also many tourists. Another attraction is its convenient location, accessible from the city center via the Aqualine.

Kominato Railway<br>
Kominato Railway

Apply for the tour here!

Grab your camera and go out!

[Kanto area] Let's go see the autumn kochia! 4 popular spots we definitely recommend🍁

Apply for the tour here!

We have introduced you to some kochia viewing spots near the Kanto region where you can enjoy the refreshing autumn weather and beautiful nature. The spectacular sight of the bright red kochia soothes the soul of all who visit and makes for great photos. Be sure to spend a colorful autumn day in these places where you can also enjoy nature, history, and gourmet food. Why not take a trip to enjoy kochia on your next day off?

  

Travelex Tours Co., Ltd.

We offer a variety of travel services, mainly in the Kanto area, that allow you to enjoy the charms of each season, such as skiing, fireworks festivals, and experience plans. In the summer, tours of famous fireworks festivals around Japan and unique experience programs in Tokyo are popular. In the winter, we offer all-inclusive ski tours by bus from the Kanto region to popular ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata! If you're looking for a special trip to Japan, we'll suggest the perfect plan for you.

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