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"Ooga Lotus" is the world's oldest flower, discovered in Chiba City, and is designated as a natural monument of Chiba Prefecture and the official flower of Chiba City. "Chihana-chan," known as the symbol character for creating a city overflowing with flowers, was also created with the image of an Ooga lotus fairy in mind. (Updated June 1, 2025)
Flowering information for Oga Lotus (Chiba Park)
<Caution and Information>
*The petals that are open in the morning will close by noon. If you want to see the lotus flowers, we recommend visiting early in the morning.
[Early morning opening of the boardwalk at the lotus pond]
Period: July 2026th (Sat) to August 6th (Sun) 13
Time: 6:00 AM
*Rengetei (building) will open as usual at around 9:00am.
Origin of the giant lotus
First flowering, the doctor and Mr. Ihara
Of the three ancient lotus seeds excavated, only one grew, and this lotus root was divided into three groups: Kemigawa Farm, Chiba Park, and the Chiba Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station.
Ancient lotus seeds discovered! One lotus seed was unearthed on March 30th, 1951, and two on April 6th by Dr. Oga Ichiro and local elementary and junior high school students in the peat bog that was once the University of Tokyo's Kemigawa Welfare Farm (now the University of Tokyo's Kemigawa General Athletic Grounds) in Kemigawa, Chiba Prefecture. The seeds were determined to be approximately 2000 years old (from the Jomon period). The following year, on July 18th, 1952, one of these seeds bloomed beautifully, waking up from a 2000-year slumber. This big news spread around the world, and was featured in the Mainichi Graph magazine in Japan and in the American magazine LIFE overseas.
Four Days of the Lotus Flower
The tips of the petals open little by little.
1th day of flowering
The petals begin to loosen around 4 or 5 in the morning, open into a bottle shape, and then begin to close around 8 a.m. The stamens are tightly attached to the receptacle.
This is the time when lotus flowers are at their most beautiful.
2th day of flowering
The flowers begin to loosen around 1am and fully open between 7am and 9am. The flowers are at their most elegant, the anthers (pollen-filled sacs at the end of the stamens) open, and the fragrance intensifies. The receptacle takes on a yellowish hue.
The flowers fully open around 9am and reach their maximum diameter.
3th day of flowering
They begin to open around 1am, and are fully open at around 9-10am, reaching their maximum diameter. The flower color fades slightly, and they begin to close around noon, finishing half-open.
The petals start to fall little by little
4th day of flowering
The flowers are fully open by around 8:00, and the petals begin to fall little by little, falling completely by 3:00 pm. The flowers continue to fade, and the top of the receptacle turns a darker green.
Large lotus flowers in Chiba Park (Rengetei and lotus pond)
The large lotusChiba ParkThey grow in clusters in the lotus pond in front of Renge-tei, and at times there can be over 700 flowers in bloom.
The best time to see them is from mid-June to early July. The petals close around noon, so it's best to view them early in the morning. Be sure to get up early and enjoy a moment of relaxation in early summer.
★This year's flowering informationCLICK HERE
| Opening time | The lotus pond is open to the public at any time. |
|---|---|
| Prices | Free admission |
| Access | Get off at Chiba Monorail's "Chiba Park" station. About a 10-minute walk from JR/Keisei "Chiba" station. |
| Address | 3-1-1 Benten, Chuo Ward, Chiba City |
| Phone | 043-279-8440 |
Hike from the station
A hiking tour exploring the history of Chiba City and the Oga lotus flowers.
This course takes you on a tour of the "Oga Lotus" blooming in the lotus pond at Chiba Park, while also allowing you to experience the history and culture of Chiba City.
<Hiking from the station>
Event period: June 20th (Sat) - June 28th (Sun), 2026
For details, please see “Notices from the Career Support Office” onCLICK HERE
Oga Lotus Festival
Various events related to the giant lotus are scheduled to be held around Renge-tei and the lotus pond in Chiba Park.
Event period: June 20th (Sat) - 28th (Sun), 2026
Time: 8: 00 to 14: 00
*Dates vary for each event, so please check the website for details.
For details, please see “Notices from the Career Support Office” onCLICK HERE
~Yohas (night lotus)~
A nighttime art festival held at Chiba Park during the blooming season of the Ooga lotus.
Now in its ninth year, this year's event will be themed "Fashionable Park," transforming Chiba Park into a runway-like spectacle with light and sound.
Furthermore, this year we will be holding collaborative events to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the founding of Chiba. On Saturday the 6th, we will welcome you with special content such as food trucks and a market starting at 12:00.
Enjoy an extraordinary moment in this fantastically decorated park, an experience you can only find here.
Event Dates: June 5th (Fri) and June 6th (Sat), 2026
Time: 18:00~21:00
*Food truck area opens from 4:00 PM on June 5th (Fri).
*The area in front of the dome will open on June 6th (Sat) at 12:00.
The website isCLICK HERE
