Kodai Hasu no Sato

Ancient lotus and rice paddy art

Kodai Hasu no Sato in Gyoda city was initially famed for the ancient lotus found on its site. However, nowadays it is probably best known for the rice paddy art on display annually in October. The park also has seasonal blooms in spring and in night illumination in winter which ensure a steady flow of visitors to the park. Within the park there is an observation tower which has a small museum in it. The park is free in, but you have to pay to get into the observation tower. It is worth it during the period of the rice paddy art as you can get a great view of the art made from the rice plants (not painted, but grown that way). There is a small playground on the opposite side of the park to the observation tower. The park is open 24 hours, but the car park closes at night. Parking is free for most of the year, but when the lotus are in bloom in summer they charge 500 yen for parking.