Colors of My Heart

Ancient Gyoda Lotus Village in Saitama Japan​ Located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, the "Ancient Lotus Village" (Kodai Hasu no Sato) is a park born from the miraculous natural germination and blooming of lotus seeds estimated to be between 1,400 and 3,000 years old. It is beloved as a site where visitors can feel the romance of ancient times. In 1973, during excavation work for a public facility, ancient lotus seeds were accidentally unearthed. Remarkably, these seeds sprouted and bloomed, and the lotus was subsequently named "Gyōda Lotus" (Kodai Hasu). To preserve and showcase this valuable botanical discovery, the park was officially opened in 1995. The park is home to approximately 120,000 lotus plants representing 42 different varieties, including the Gyōda Lotus itself, collected from around the world. From mid-June to early August, the park becomes a popular destination during the blooming season, attracting many visitors who come to admire the stunning f...

Somonya Hanashōbu Garden is a beautiful iris garden located in Saitama Prefecture, renowned for cultivating a wide variety of iris species. Usually, the best viewing season is from mid-May to early June, when the vibrant flowers color the entire garden. In addition to the colorful blossoms, visitors can enjoy the charming pond, tranquil pathways, and traditional Japanese-style gardens, allowing them to appreciate not only the flowers but also the scenic beauty of the area. Each year, during the peak blooming period, events such as the "Hanashōbu Festival" are held, attracting many tourists. If you plan to take photographs, it is recommended to do so in the morning when the flowers are fresh and lively. You can use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene or a telephoto lens to focus on specific details of the landscape. I would love to visit this place sometime soon.     Olympus E-5 / Zuiko ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5  SWD / 1/640s / F3.4 / ISO100 / 0.0     Olympu...