Fukushima Travel – Discover the Chūsonji Lotus at Atsukashi Millennium Park

In the peaceful countryside of Kunimi Town, in northern Fukushima Prefecture, lies a breathtaking summer attraction: the Chūsonji Lotus—a rare variety of lotus flower cultivated from ancient seeds linked to the historic Chūsonji Temple in Hiraizumi. It blooms beautifully in Atsukashi Millennium Park, especially during July to mid-August, offering a serene and visually exquisite stop for travelers.

🪷 Ancient Legacy Blossoming in Modern Times

The story of the Chūsonji Lotus is steeped in history and legend. It is said that lotus seeds were discovered alongside the remains of Fujiwara Yasuhira—last ruler of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan—in the golden hall of Chūsonji Temple. These seeds lay dormant for over 800 years before being successfully cultivated in Kunimi in 2009. The resulting blossoms—called Chūsonji Hasu—now bloom annually in pink, offering a poignant living link to Japan’s Heian-era past.

📅 Best Time to Visit & Bloom Season

• Full bloom season: Early July through early August, peaking in mid-July

• Visit tip: Morning is the best time to see fully open blossoms before they begin to close midday (source turn0search2)

• Admission: Free, with public parking available at the Shimogō-shinden Millennium Park area (source turn0search2, turn0search6)

🌿 What to Expect at the Park

• Expansive lotus fields filled with lush green leaves and delicate pink blooms extending across the pond

• Lush surroundings blending the serene Atsukashi Millennium Park and the historic ruins of the Azukashiyama earthen defensive walls

• Photography opportunities capturing soft petals, dew glistening in the dawn light, and reflections against tranquil water

This is a peaceful and photogenic setting—ideal for nature lovers, families, and cultural travelers enriching their Fukushima travel itinerary.

🚗 How to Visit & Travel Tips

• By Car: Approximately 10 minutes from Kunimi IC on the Tōhoku Expressway

• By Train: JR Tōhoku Line to Fujita Station, followed by about 10 minutes by car or a 60-minute walk (source turn0search6, turn0search8)

• Safety Tips: Summer temperatures can be high—bring water, wear sun protection, and take care on uneven walking paths

• Accessibility: Some walking required from the parking area to the lotus pond (source turn0search2)

✨ Final Thoughts

The Chūsonji Lotus at Atsukashi Millennium Park offers a rare combination of ancient heritage and seasonal spectacular bloom in rural Fukushima. As part of a Deep Japan Tours itinerary, it provides travelers with a unique nature-and-history experience—where delicate lotus petals evoke legends, peace, and poetic beauty in the heart of Tōhoku.

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