The lotus seeds were found deep underground in a layer of peat during the building of the Gyoda City public facility.
The park contains approximately 120,000 individual lotus plants.
The Oga lotus is named after Dr. Ichiro Oga, who pioneered the study of ancient seed germination.
Lotus flowers at this site typically bloom early in the morning and close by the afternoon.
The site hosts a 50-meter observation tower that provides a panoramic view of the lotus fields and the surrounding Kanto Plain.
The Ancient Lotus Museum is located within the Ancient Lotus Park in Gyōda, Saitama, a site famous for the 'Oga lotus' that germinated after remaining dormant for approximately 1,400 to 3,000 years. The museum documents the discovery of these ancient seeds, which were unearthed during the construction of a public facility in 1971 and successfully sprouted in 1973. The park grounds span approximately 14 hectares, featuring expansive ponds specifically dedicated to the cultivation of these historical lotus flowers. Visitors can observe the biological lifecycle of the lotus, which the museum highlights as a botanical link to the Kofun period. The museum building provides educational displays on the history of the surrounding area and the unique environmental conditions required for lotus propagation. It serves as an active research and conservation hub for the preservation of these specific ancient strains.
The observation deck overlooking the expansive lotus ponds during the early morning sunlight.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as there is very little shade in the lotus pond areas.
Plan your visit for the early morning hours to see the flowers fully bloomed before they begin to close.
Check the official website's blooming calendar before your visit to ensure peak season alignment.
Visiting during the heat of the midday sun when the flowers have begun to close and heat exhaustion risks are higher.
Closed on Mondays (except during the peak blooming season) and during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Refrain from touching or picking the lotus flowers or leaves; follow designated walking paths to protect the mud-based habitat.
