Do you know the flower called “cosmos”? In Japan the cosmos flower reminds us of autumn. While Halloween or Thanksgiving are popular overseas, cosmos flower viewing is a popular autumn Japanese pastime!
This article will tell you more about the cosmos flower, and some popular spots you can enjoy cosmos fields near Tokyo and Mount Fuji. This may be your very last chance to see cosmos flowers in Japan this year!
An Introduction to the Cosmos Flower in Japan
Here’s what you should know about cosmos in Japan:
The Seasons:
Cosmos flower season is from June through November. During this period, there are 3 blossoming stages to enjoy:
- Summer blooming= from June to July
- Early blooming= September
- Autumn blooming= from October to November
The Name
But which stage is the best time to view cosmos? Well let’s look at the word “cosmos” a little closer. We write Cosmos with the kanji “秋桜” and there are 2 specific meanings for each character.
秋= This means “autumn”, read “aki” in Japanese.
桜=This means “cherry blossom” read “sakura” in Japanese.
If we put them together, cosmos means “autumn cherry blossoms” in Japanese! The cosmos flowers are Japan’s autumn sakura flower! And you know how popular cherry blossoms are in Japan.
The Colour
Cosmos are mainly pink, white and red. If you’re lucky, you can also find yellow cosmos flowers produced through selective breeding.
The Language of Flowers
The symbolic language of flowers has been used for centuries, even playing a large part in William Shakespeare’s works. The idea is that all flowers hold meanings, based on the colour, name, type of flower and certain sentiments can be expressed through flowers. What do cosmos flowers symbolise?
The word cosmos comes from the meaning “beautiful” in Greek. The cosmos flower earned this name from its beautiful uniform petals, neatly formed.
According to this, the language of flowers for cosmos are as follows:
- love
- modesty
- beautiful
- sincerity
If you go cosmos viewing, you’ll understand why this language is used. You are sure to be surrounded by such emotions.
Best Spots for Cosmos Flower Fields in Japan
Here are the best spots you can cosmos flowers near Tokyo and a stunning Mount Fuji location. During the autumn season, how about taking your phone or camera with you to take some photos?
Showa Kinen Park
If you go to Showa Kinen Park, you can experience first-hand the beauty of cosmos fields. This is the largest collection of cosmos flowers in Tokyo. They do have special free entrance days, usually in October, so don’t forget to check in advance! You may also be lucky enough to see rare yellow cosmos at this park.
Name of the spot: Showa Kinen Park
Address: 3173, Midori-cho, Tachikawa city, Tokyo, 190-0014
TEL: 042-528-1751
Access: (JR Oume Line) Nishitachikawa Station and walk about 2 minutes from the station.
Numbers of cosmos: About 5,500,000 cosmos flowers.
Entrance fee: Adults over 15 years old (450 yen)
※ If you want to know more, check the Showa Kinen Koen Park website.
Kurihama Hana no Kuni Park
If you go to Kurihama, you can also enjoy the view of beautiful cosmos flowers. There is no free entrance so you can enjoy the view as many times as you like!
Name of the spot: Kurihama Hana no Kuni
Address: 1, Shinmei-cho, Yokosuka city, Tokyo, 239-0832
TEL: 046-833-8282
Access: (JR Yokosuka Line) Kurihama Station, about 15 minutes from the station.
Numbers of cosmos: About 1,000,000 cosmos flowers.
Entrance fee: Always Free
※ For more information follow this link to the official page
Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Kouen
For a truly iconic trip, why not travel to Lake Yamanaka, one of Fuji’s 5 lakes for a view of Cosmos and Mount Fuji? The field is over 300,000 metres squared and provides a wonderful view of the autumn cosmos.
Name of the spot: Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Kouen
Address: 1650 Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0501
TEL: 0555-62-5587
Access: Get off at “Hana-no-Miyako Koen” bus stop, about 30 min from Fujisan Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line via Fujikko bus.
Numbers of cosmos: About 300,000 square metres worth
Entrance fee: 300 yen – 500
※ For more information follow this link
Enjoy The Cosmos Flower in Japan While You Still Can This Autumn
The cosmos season is nearly at an end this year so don’t take too much time planning your outing! The blossom period is slightly different depending on the park so make sure you check before heading out!
YAE
Japan
More related articles:
- What Is Kouyo? A Guide To Seeing Autumn Leaves In Japan
- Chestnuts? Kuri? Marron? How to Enjoy Chestnuts in Japan!
- Nanakusa, Japan’s Seven Herbs of Autumn
- Sanma: Japan’s Favorite Autumn Fish
- A Trip to Komoro City, Nagano for Castle Ruins, Onsen and an Authentic Japanese Culture Experience
- Hanami During the Pandemic: How to Enjoy It While Staying Safe
This article was originally posted on Nov 9, 2018 and edited and republished Oct, 2021.
