During the colder months Katashina is known as winter wonderland. However, when the temperature rises, the snow melts and the skis have been stored away, the Oze-Iwakura ski resort transforms into a lily paradise.
DSC08945The Oze Iwakura Lily Garden opens mid-July to August in order to show off its 3 million lilies that bloom throughout the year.
When I came to visit we first took the chairlift up. Reaching the top I was astonished by the sight – the breathtaking view of the sheer amount of colourful lily blossoms in the sun and of course the wonderful mountainous panorama in the background… a lily paradise. Yet, it is actually not just a paradise for lilies but also for butterflies, bees and many dragonflies.
We strolled through the fields of lilies and took many photos to capture the beauty.
To further indulge yourself in the world of lilies you may want to try their lily ice cream, lily doughnuts, lily tempura or lily curry. If you would rather stick to a familiar taste you can make your own stone-oven baked pizza in one of the huts. Roll your own dough, choose your toppings and shove it in the stone-oven for just 3 minutes (1,000 yen).
The Oze Iwakura Lily Garden also hosts several events such as concerts and dance performances. We purposely went to visit the lily garden on Monday in order to watch the Oze Taiko group (Japanese drums) perform.
If you got inspired and want to start your own lily paradise you can buy your own lily pot for 600 yen or up to 2,500 yen for the really special ones.
Opening times: 8:30 – 17:00
Entry to Lily Garden: 1,100 yen
Single fair chair lift: 550 yen
Roundtrip ticket chair lift: 900 yen
Oze Ikura Lily Garden Website (English):
http://www.oze-iwakura.co.jp/yuri/en/
If you are a flower lover, this is definitely the place for you. Discover yourself –
Katashina FUNtashina!
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