Akita: Lotus in Senshu Park

#AugustDestinations2025 The Otemon moat at Senshu Park, located in the heart of Akita City, is a vibrant spectacle of lotus flowers every summer. The variety currently in bloom has been identified as the "Yushan Red Lotus," which begins blooming in early July. Its vibrant colors and layers of petals shimmer beautifully in the sunlight, attracting numerous locals and tourists. The Yushan Red Lotus is native to Dong'e County, Shandong Province, China, and its name derives from the local "Fish Mountain," a place associated with Buddhist rituals. With good care, this variety's petals increase in number, creating a multi-layered bloom. In the past, Senshu Park mistakenly referred to the lotus flowers there as "Ohga Lotus." The Ohga Lotus' story begins in 1951, when Dr. Ichiro Ohga successfully cultivated the flower from ancient seeds dating back over 2,000 years. Its large, pale pink, single-petaled flower, approximately 25 cm in diameter, is an ancient lotus variety of immense historical and cultural value. Akita City attempted several times to introduce Ohga lotuses to Senshu Park in the 1970s, and they successfully bloomed in 1978, becoming a hot topic at the time. However, after years of natural interbreeding and evolution, the lotuses in the moat have since transformed into other varieties. To allow citizens to once again enjoy the authentic Ohga lotuses, Akita City plans to cultivate several pure Ohga lotuses in pots within Huyue Pond and display them with wooden fences between them. At the same time, the existing Yushan Red Lotus will be preserved, ensuring that Senshu Park continues to be a vibrant lotus spectacle and a popular spot for leisure and relaxation during the summer. #Akita #SenshuPark #Lotus #YushanRedLotus #OhgaLotus #SummerAttractions