Though Japan’s mainland may be in the coldest time of year, it may be difficult to believe that flowers still bloom despite the chilly temperatures. Fortunately, plenty of colorful blooms enjoy the weather and make their appearance. One such bloom is narcissus.

To catch these early flowers, head to Jogashima Island, only a short 40-minute drive away from Yokosuka Naval Base. The island is home to over 300,000 stunning white narcissus blossoms in bloom from mid-January to mid-February.

The tiny island off the Miura Peninsula coast’s south end is about four kilometers in circumference, but it is also the largest island in Kanagawa Prefecture. Jogashima is also known as “Lover’s Island” because of its two photogenic lighthouses— the Awasaki Lighthouse on the east end and Jogashima Lighthouse on the west end. Both of these lighthouses are referred to as the “lighthouses in love” and are an auspicious spot for couples.

When my wife and I visited the island in mid-January, the blossoms seemed to have just started blooming. While walking along the park path among large pine trees, we found lines of countless narcissus blossoms still partially blooming, but the cute, lovable white flowers enchanted us with a refreshing sweet aroma.

Beyond the path is the grassy picnic square and, in the distance, we could see the radish-shaped Awasaki Lighthouse. Families were enjoying their picnics while children were running around and enjoying the spacious field.

It was already late in the afternoon, and the golden sun, which was about to set on the horizon made long shadows before us. My wife and I played with our long shadowgraphs by touching and separating ourselves to create fun shadow pictures in the spacious park field.

Enjoy a great view up on an observation tower near the Awasaki Lighthouse. Here visitors are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the park, black cliffs, shining blue sea and views of Mt. Fuji and the mountains of Hakone. The tower faces the west, and you can also enjoy a gorgeous sunset against the Sagami Gulf.

If you are in love, Jogashima Island is a must-see attraction. Even if you’re not, a visit to this beautiful place will definitely make you fall in love with the flowers and coastal views.

Jogashima Island

• Location: Misakicho, Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture (a 40-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base)

• URL: https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/docs/d2t/chiki/jyogashimaosusume.html

• Tel: 046-881-6640

Yokosuka Naval Base