Ride the mini SL train which winds among the rapeseed flowers. (Photo: Sherilyn Siy)

Kinchakuda Spring Festival

Celebrate the blossoms of the season

Ride the mini SL train which winds among the rapeseed flowers. (Photo: Sherilyn Siy)
Sherilyn Siy   - 1 min read

This festival was formerly known as the Nanohana Festival (菜の花まつり) as it is timed when the nanohana (rapeseed flowers) are in full bloom backdropped by a line of light pink sakura (cherry blossoms) on the perimeter of Kinchakuda (巾着田), the purse-shaped field in Koma, Hidaka, Saitama, most famous for the carpet of red spider lilies in the early fall.

Take precious photos amidst the fields of gold. It is an especially fun festival for families with children. There is a mini SL train that winds around the flowers, and a big air-filled mascot of Hidaka City that the kids can bounce in. Members of the Hanno Junior Chamber of Commerce usually organize a couple of free fun events for everyone. In previous years, they are the sponsors of the extremely popular and exciting water slide. They have also set up water wheels (roll inside inflated wheels), and pony rides. Like all standard festivals in Japan, expect stage events and food booths.

Getting there

Take the SeibuIkebukuro Line from Ikebukuro towards Hanno. Change to the Seibu Chichibu Line and get off two stops at Koma. Kinchakuda is about a 15 minute walk downhil from the station. Follow the red post signs for 巾着田. Parking spots are available for ¥500.

Sherilyn Siy

Sherilyn Siy @sherilyn.siy

For Sherilyn Siy, Asia is home. Born in Hong Kong, Sherilyn spent time in the Philippines, China, and now lives in Japan. She speaks English, Filipino, Chinese (or putonghua), and Hokkien, her family's local dialect. Running is one of her favorite ways to explore Japan. She proudly finished the 2...