Introducing the Ancient Lotus Garden (Kodai Hasu-en)

Hello, travelers!
This is Asukarando, your SaruKuma writer.

Today I’m excited to introduce a hidden gem located in Kaou-machi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
the Ancient Lotus Garden (Kodai Hasu-en).

Even though cherry blossom season has come to a close, Japan’s flower-viewing journey is far from over! As spring rolls into early summer, it’s time to enjoy graceful wisteria and stunning lotus blossoms. Today I’d love to share my favorite annual flower-viewing spot — a beautiful lotus pond I visit every year! (^o^)/

Here’s the parking area!

It’s spacious, but during peak lotus season, it fills up fast — that’s how popular this spot is with visitors!

Right between the lotus garden grounds, you’ll find Kaou Bussankan Sato-yama, a charming local product shop!

During spring, you’ll spot freshly dug bamboo shoots (takenoko) and pre-boiled bamboo shoots for sale — a true taste of seasonal Japan!
They also sell sweets and ice cream, perfect for a refreshing treat after exploring the park.

You’ll also find vending machines just outside the Kaou Bussankan shop — convenient for a quick drink.

Walk through the Kaou Bussankan, and you’ll discover stunning wisteria trellises and lotus ponds stretching far into the distance.

Visit a bit early and you’ll catch the wisteria just starting to bloom — peak viewing is from late April through May (depending on the variety).

The garden boasts several varieties of wisteria, including some impressively large trellises that create a magical canopy of purple blossoms!

A covered rest area sits right next to the lotus pond, just steps from the parking lot — ideal for taking a break.

Along the walking paths, you’ll see rows of pots filled with medaka (Japanese rice fish) and miniature lotus plants — placed at children’s eye level so little ones can enjoy them too!

Tiny lotus blossoms even bloom inside these little pots!

Aren’t the white lotus flowers absolutely lovely?

Stroll deeper into the park and you’ll find another covered rest area waiting for you.

And even further back, there’s an even larger rest pavilion!

Restrooms are conveniently located near the center of the park.

Hand-washing stations are available in two locations: at the park entrance and in front of the restrooms.

Benches are scattered throughout the park, including under the wisteria trellises.
When the wisteria is in full bloom, you can sit beneath the cascading purple flowers and soak in the peaceful atmosphere — pure bliss!

There are plenty of benches around the lotus pond too, making this a wonderfully relaxing park to enjoy in any season.

Why You’ll Love the Ancient Lotus Garden

Take a look at this breathtaking lotus pond view!

Since the lotus blossoms are still a few weeks away during my visit, these photos are from last year’s peak season!

※ Lotus peak viewing season: late June to late July

Some lotus flowers peek shyly from beneath their massive leaves, while others stretch tall into the sky in full bloom — it’s truly a magical sight!

You can get up nice and close to the flowers, which makes for fantastic photos with the kids!

There are also kunugi (sawtooth oak) trees in the park, which means rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles sometimes visit too!

Last year, a rhinoceros beetle and a stag beetle actually flew right in front of us — and we caught them!
They were impressively large too. Bug-loving kids will be absolutely thrilled by this place!

Even after cherry blossom season ends, Japan’s flower-viewing journey continues!
Make the Ancient Lotus Garden your next stop in Kumamoto!

※ Wisteria peak viewing: late April to May
※ Lotus peak viewing: late June to late July

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Ancient Lotus Garden Information

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is based on the time of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.