In the very early autumn, even if the days are still hot, the breeze is refreshing. This time of year is when Red Spider Lilies can be seen along riversides. One Japanese legend says, “If you bring it into your house, it will cause a fire.” Another name for the flower, “manjusyage”, means “red flower blooming in the sky” in Sanskrit, and is said to be a harbinger of good fortune. Either way you are sure to enjoy this flower.

Here are three great places in Kyoto Prefecture to enjoy them!

– Kyoto by the Sea Region – Kyotango City, Amino Shrine

This shrine is named after the town of Amino in Kyotango. Amino is home to Kotobiki Beach, a beautiful white beach famous for its “singing sand.” Amino Shrine is dedicated to the god Mizunoe-no-Urashima-Kojin, who is said to be the model for Urashima Taro. Red Spider Lilies usually bloom near Atago Shrine, one of the many shrines on the grounds. Here, you can see white spider lilies among the red ones!

-Woodland Kyoto Region – Kameoka City, Sogabe Higanbana Village

The Sogabe district is a farming area about 2 km west of Kameoka Station. Here, in “Higanbana no Sato”, you can see the largest cluster of Red Spider Lilies in Kyoto. The flowers bloom in rows that weave through the rice paddies, creating a tranquil rural autumn scene. This is the best place to enjoy the flower as the red sits among vast scenery of blue sky, green mountains, and gold rice fields. The roads are narrow in this area, so please use designated parking lots only.

-Kyoto Tea Country Region -Yawata City/Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine
*There are shrines with the same name in Yawata City and Kyoto City as well. Please be careful to visit the correct ones.

The shrine gets its name from being dedicated to Emperor Nintoku, the son of the Hachiman God (Emperor Ojin) as “Wakamiya” means the child of the main deity. This means that many shrines have the same name. This Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine is located in Nojiri, Yawata City, near a flowing bridge that is famous as a location used in historical TV dramas. The sight of Red Spider Lilies blooming around the torii gate is fantastic, as if you have wandered into a mysterious forest! This is a small shrine and there is no parking lot, so please use public transportation when visiting. Also, In order to preserve this scenery in the future, please be careful not to step into the area where the flowers are blooming when viewing or photographing the flowers.

The Red Spider Lilies are amazing with their eye-catching color and shape. Why not immerse yourself in their mysterious charm this fall.

*Because of the hot weather this year, the blooming of flowers has been delayed compared to previous years. The Yawata City Tourist Association has informed us that it will be difficult for Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine to bloom during September. Please contact the respective tourist associations for information on the status of blooming before visiting.

Photos provided by Kameoka City Tourist Association, Kyotango City Tourism Public Corporation, Amino Shrine, and Yawata City Tourist Association.