rice field art

From mid-June to early August, 12,000 stocks of 42 different types of lotus flowers bloom on the surface of the lotus pond. The Gyōda lotus (ancient lotus) takes a primitive form with the number of petals being few; it is said to be a lotus from about 1,400 to 3,000 years ago. Lotus flowers are best-viewed midmorning. There are botanical gardens for aquatic plants, lakes for aquatic birds, peony gardens, ume gardens, and a hanami place with sakura trees, making it a place where one can 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 rice transplanting taking place yearly due to several volunteers and participants; not only are the designs original, but some have been collaborations with movies, TV shows, games. In 2015 it has been recorded in the Guinness World Records due to the area of the art being “the world’s largest (rice paddy art)”.

The Hachimanyama Kofun (Mount Hachiman burial mound), is the central burial mound within the group of Wakakodama burial mounds that can be found in the area. It is estimated to be built in the 7th century and has a diameter of 80 meters. It was restored in 1981. From the stone hut, the “Urushi Nuri Mokkan (lacquered wooden casket)” was found in almost perfect condition. Those buried inside are assumed to have been people of power. It is called “Kanto-no-Ishibutai (Kanto’s Ishibutai) because it is a grand stone hut that matches those of the Ishibutai Kofun (Ishibutal burial mound) of Asukamura of Nara prefecture.

The Sakitama Shrine holds a history of a thousand and a few hundred years and is an ancient shrine with a majestic and calm atmosphere originating from Saitama Prefecture. The main building of the shrine has a height of 8.7 meters, a circumference of about 92 meters, and is built on top of a tumulus named Sengenzuka (mound) and adjoins to Saitama Kofun Group. The deity has two pillars: Sakitamahimenomikoto and Sakitamahikonomikoto and are gods that protect individuals, brings good fortune and matrimony. Recently, there are limited edition Shuin (seal stamps) with the motif of 4 cats that reside in the shrine (every month on the 22nd including a few days before and after) and is very popular.

At the building of Haniwa located inside the Saitama Kofun Group, anyone can experience making their own Haniwa with the help of an instructor. In order to create a Haniwa, there are 3 steps: 90 minutes of molding, drying for about a month, heating in the kiln located inside the building at a heat of 800℃ for approximately 7 hours. Once the Haniwa is complete, it can either be retrieved in person or can be delivered and paid on arrival.

Sakitama Kofun Park is home to 9 large "kofuns", megalithic tombs where, among other things, the national treasure "Inariyama burial-mound sword" was excavated. You can also see the largest kofun in Japan, "Maruhaka yama kofun" here, which also serves as a great cherry blossom spot. Gyoda City, where the park is located, is also known as the origin of Saitama prefecture's name, and you can see the stone monument celebrating this in the park.