Hanyu Mitakaya Agriculture and Forestry Park Kiyasse Hanyu

A roadside station with a full view of Watarase-yusuichi (a vast wetland and vibrant wildlife habitat). There is a facility selling products such as Koshihikari brand rice, grown on the fertile land of Kitakawabe area, and fresh local vegetables such as the Momotarō tomato. The richly flavored handmade soba available at the farm restaurant is also very popular, with many repeat customers. This new attraction is very unique to Japan as it straddles three prefectures, resulting in the roadside station being responsible for its overall promotion.

From the moment you pass through the Nagaya gate, you will find yourself in an atmosphere of peace and nostalgia in this old traditional house. In the garden, roses are in full bloom, and inside the facility there is a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal and a local produce specialty store for buying fresh vegetables. This is the perfect place for a relaxing time.

From mid-June to early August, 12,000 stocks of 42 different types of lotus flowers bloom on the surface of this lotus pond. The Gyōda lotus (ancient lotus) is a primitive form with few petals; it is said this variety of lotus is from about 1,400 to 3,000 years ago. Lotus flowers are best viewed midmorning. There are aquatic plant botanical gardens, aquatic bird lakes, peony gardens, plum tree groves, and a spot for flower viewing (hanami) cherry blossom trees, making it a place to go to feel the beauty of nature all year round. In addition, from mid-July to mid-October, rice paddy art is at its prime and can be viewed from the Ancient Lotus Hall’s Observation Room. The rice paddy art of Gyōda City started in 2008, with annual rice transplanting taking place with the help of several volunteers and participants. Not only are the designs original, but some have been featured in movies, TV shows, games. In 2015 it was recorded in the Guinness World Records as “the world’s largest (rice paddy art).”

The Takazawa Memorial Hall is a historic building constructed during the Edo period and is registered as a national tangible cultural property. At this café, surrounded by a vast garden with a calming atmosphere, visitors can enjoy Gyoda Ancient Rice Curry in the shape of a megalith tomb (kofun) and made-from-scratch cakes. A cafe for those looking for a hidden place to spend a slow and relaxing mmoment.

This safflower museum is a renovated private house built in the late Meiji era. There are various workshops such as pottery and soba noodle making available. The best time to see the safflower is from late to mid-June, and the steamed safflower buns are popular as a souvenir. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy handmade udon noodles made from 100% local flour. Enjoy Okegawa both with your eyes and your tastebuds!