First "Yama Yuri" Lily Blooms (National Musashi Hillside National Park)

At the "Wild Grass Course" in National Musashi Hillside National Park, the first bloom of the "Yama Yuri" lily was confirmed on July 1 (June 30 last year). It is expected to begin blooming around Tanabata in July, as in previous years, with the best viewing period from mid-to-late July (peak around July 20).

The "Yama Yuri" lily, which signals the arrival of summer at the park, has about 10,000 wild plants within the park, of which approximately 3,000 will bloom. Please enjoy the large flowers in full bloom amidst the rich, natural mixed forest, and their sweet, elegant fragrance.

"Yama Yuri" lily at the "Wild Grass Course" (photographed July 1, 2026)

[Yama Yuri Lily]

Best Viewing Period / Mid-to-late July ■ Number of Varieties / 1 variety (Yama Yuri) ■ Planting / Wild

Number of Plants / Approximately 3,000 blooms out of about 10,000 wild plants ■

Location / Yamayuri no Komichi, vicinity of the Botanical Garden, Wild Grass Course, vicinity of Yamada Castle Ruins, etc.

Yama Yuri lilies at their peak (photographed in the past)

◆ Charm of the Yama Yuri Lily

The Yama Yuri lily belongs to the Liliaceae family, Lilium genus, and is a perennial plant native to Japan. It grows to about 100-200 cm tall, bearing 1-10 large white flowers exceeding 15 cm in diameter, emitting a sweet and elegant fragrance. It is called the "Jewel of the Satoyama" as a representative flower of Japan's rural landscapes, and the "Queen of Lilies" due to its luxurious flowers and rich fragrance, which are hard to believe are wild.

◆ Blooming After 5 to 7 Years

It takes 5 to 7 years for a Yama Yuri lily to bloom from seed. Young plants or plants whose environment has deteriorated after blooming may not flower as they store nutrients. Therefore, while about 3,000 of the 10,000 wild plants in the park bloom each year, it is not always the same plants that bloom as the previous year. Additionally, in some rare years, unusual individuals may be seen, such as the "Shiroboshi" (white star) without the usual spots, or the "Benisuji" (red stripe) with red stripes on the petals.

A "Benisuji" individual that bloomed in the past

◆ "Yamayuri Self-Guide" Available

A self-guide map to help you navigate the recommended spots for Yama Yuri lilies throughout the park is available at each ticket gate and the Botanical Garden Administration Building.

Please use it to enjoy your stroll through the park.

National Musashi Hillside National Park Overview

National Musashi Hillside National Park is the first national park in Japan, established as part of a memorial project to honor the great achievements of the Meiji era, utilizing a location that retains the atmosphere of the Musashino region. It was established by the government to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era, to secure a place for urban residents, who are losing touch with nature, to restore their humanity through greenery.

The park, which boasts an area equivalent to 65 Tokyo Domes, is equipped with numerous play structures where families can enjoy vigorous physical activity, such as Japan's largest air trampoline "Ponpoko Mountain" and athletic courses. The Urban Greening Botanical Garden also offers enjoyment of seasonal scenery, trees, and flowers.

Japan's largest air trampoline "Ponpoko Mountain" 24 types of wooden athletic courses "Adventure Course" Highly satisfying! "Cycling Course" approximately 17km long, open until 9/27 "Water Play Area"

<Location>

355-0802

1920 Yamada, Higashi-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture

<Opening Hours>

March 1 - October 31: 9:30 - 17:00

November 1 - November 30: 9:30 - 16:30

December 1 - End of February: 9:30 - 16:00

<Access>

From Tobu Tojo Line "Shinrin-koen" Station, North Exit Bus Stop

- Board the bus bound for "Shinrin-koen Minami-guchi" (operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only), get off at the terminal stop.

Get off at "Shinrin-koen Nishi-guchi" and you are there, or get off at "Namegawa Chugakko" and walk about 5 minutes.

From JR Takasaki Line "Kumagaya" Station, South Exit Bus Stop

- Board the bus bound for "Shinrin-koen," get off at "Shinrin-koen Nishi-guchi" or "Shinrin-koen Minami-guchi Iriguchi" and you are there.

<Official Website>

https://www.shinrinkoen.jp/

<Official SNS>

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musashi.shinrin

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/musashi_shinrin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinrinkoen/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1FcHdCltCVbHN86L8HNizg