Ota's red spider lilies (Isa City)

A 500-meter red carpet — Isa and Ota's red spider lilies

As the autumn breeze blows, a 500-meter-long patch of red cluster amaryllis blossoms along the rice paddy banks in the Ookuchi region of Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The scenery, which spreads out like a red carpet against the backdrop of the green rice paddies, captivates visitors and is renowned as a "breathtaking view that photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travel enthusiasts alike want to see at least once."

This cluster amaryllis colony is actually tended by local residents and volunteers, and was first planted in 2008 by a man in memory of his late wife, who loved cluster amaryllis. Since then, it has been painstakingly cared for every year, and during the peak viewing period of about a week in autumn, the contrast between red and green creates a striking landscape.

The main location is along the rice paddy banks near Koriyama Hachiman Shrine, and you can get out of your car and take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the flowers. The contrast between the red ribbons of red spider lilies, the green of the rice paddies, and the blue of the autumn sky, while taking in the autumn leaves and the atmosphere of autumn, is truly the quintessential Japanese autumn landscape.

Best time to see, access, and exploring the surrounding area — A travel guide to enjoying the red spider lilies of Ota

Best time to see the flowers and tips for taking photos

• Best time to see the flowers : Usually, the peak is around one week in late September. For information on the flowers blooming and best time to see them, check the official Isa City website or local information.

• Best time to take the photo : The soft light of the morning or the diffused light of an overcast day brings out the red color beautifully. Shooting with backlighting creates a silhouette effect, which helps create a nice atmosphere.

• Composition tips : By making the cluster amaryllis the main focus and incorporating rice fields, ears of rice, and the sky in the background, you can create a sense of breadth and depth, making the photo more impressive. We also recommend taking the photo from an angle that captures the row of flowers as a line.
  
  

Access and precautions

• Location : Oguchi Ota area, Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture (near Koriyama Hachiman Shrine)

• Parking and Facilities : There is no large, official parking lot. The surrounding roads are narrow and include agricultural roads, so please be careful when driving and parking.

• Transportation : The most convenient way to get there is by car. Public transportation is also available, but it may be limited, so we recommend checking in advance.

• Road conditions : The roads near the site are narrow, and in some sections agricultural vehicles have priority, so please drive safely and be mindful of local traffic etiquette.

• Visitor etiquette : Red spider lilies are bulbous plants that bloom naturally. Please do not pick the flowers or damage the roots. When visiting, please be careful not to damage the plants or banks, and do not go outside the sidewalks or farm roads.
  
  

Stay time and walking schedule

• Estimated time required : 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is the approximate time, including time to take photos, admire the flowers, and enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.

• Example of walking route :
  1. Start walking near Koriyama Hachiman Shrine and stroll along the rows of red spider lilies. 2. Take time to stand and take photos at the best spots along the flower line. 3. Combine your walk with visiting the shrine and taking in the nearby scenery.

• Combined sightseeing : Nearby is Koriyama Hachiman Shrine (famous for its shochu graffiti), and visiting the shrine after cherry blossom viewing is also a popular option.
  
  

A word in lieu of a summary

Ota's red spider lilies don't have any fancy tourist facilities. However, for a brief moment in autumn, the sight of the red flowers spreading like the wind along the rice fields has the power to strongly move the traveler's heart. In this place where nature and people's thoughts overlap, quietly feel the autumn atmosphere, press the shutter, and spend some time facing the wind and flowers. The "autumn scenery that can only be seen in Isa, Kagoshima" is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Opening hours

Open daily

holiday

Open daily

Fee

free

Access

Near Koriyama Hachiman Shrine (along National Route 268) in Oguchi, Isa City

parking

Yes
There are no official parking lots or toilets in the surrounding area. The roads are very narrow, so please be careful of traffic safety. The roads in this area are used for agricultural work, so agricultural vehicles have priority. We appreciate your cooperation.