Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
We are in the coldest times of year, and one might not believe that there are flowers blooming even when the weather is freezing. However, now is the time to enjoy the beauty of camellia flowers, plum and narcissus blossoms.
To catch some of these early bloomers, head to Ofuna Botanical Garden, only a short 45-minute drive away from Camp Zama and NAF Atsugi. The botanical garden is home to a few but lovable early-spring blossoms in bloom from January through to mid-February.
When my wife and I passed through the gate into the botanical garden on a chilly, rainy afternoon, lovely tulips growing out of a cute, rabbit-shaped planter greeted us.
The botanical garden boasts over 3,000 different types of plants and you can enjoy a variety of beautiful blossoms throughout the year including roses, Chinese peonies and irises.
Though the winter season may seem like the worst time to visit the botanical garden, it is actually a good one to see some of the tough plants that thrive in low temperatures. Some of the later winter blossoms also serve as a reminder that spring is just around the corner, a botanical garden employee told us.
The weather also meant we could enjoy an nearly-empty garden to take our time and check out the white and red plum blossoms, various camelias, yellow roses, tulips and even the early type of sakura blossoms.
The warm season is just around the corner, so visit the botanical garden and enjoy the colorful blossoms heralding spring’s arrival.
Ofuna Botanical Garden Address: 1018 Okamoto, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture (a 45-minute drive from NAF Atsugi) Hours: Mar – Oct, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Nov – Feb, - 4 p.m. (closed 2nd and 4th Mondays) Admission: ages 20 and older, 400 yen; ages 18 – 19, 200 yen, ages 15-17 or 65 and older, 150 yen Website Tel: 0467-46-2188
