Chiba Park’s Oga Lotus Festival 2025｜A Dialogue with a 2,000-Year-Old Life

Introduction｜A Place Where Life’s Miracle Blooms

That place is Chiba Park, where the annual Oga Lotus Festival (Oga Hasu Matsuri) is held.
This year, I visited for the first time—and was deeply moved by the beauty and mystery of the Oga Lotus, a flower that bloomed from a 2,000-year-old seed.

In this blog post, I will share the captivating charm of the Ōga Lotus I experienced at Chiba Park, accompanied by photos and videos taken on-site.
As a doctor, I will also reflect on the sense of healing and vitality I felt, and delve into the mysterious biology of the lotus, along with fascinating stories I heard from the local guide.

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The World’s Oldest Lotus｜Origin & History of the Oga Lotus

The Ōga Lotus is a miraculous plant that sprouted from a lotus seed estimated to be around 2,000 years old, unearthed in 1951 from the Kemigawa ruins in Chiba City.
It was Dr. Ichiro Oga, a botanist, who dedicated himself to the excavation and revival of this ancient lotus. In honor of his achievement, the lotus was named after him.

When I stood before this flower, I couldn’t help but feel—from a doctor’s perspective—the power of regeneration and the survival strategies of living cells.
The lotus reminds us that life can persist and thrive, even under the harshest conditions.

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早朝にだけ咲く神秘｜ハスの4日間サイクル The 4-Day Life Cycle of a Lotus｜Blooming Only in the Early Morning

Let’s explore the daily changes in the lotus over its four-day bloom cycle:

Day 1｜First Day（flask-shaped）

・The flower doesn’t open fully yet, and its fragrance is subtle.
・If you gently place your finger in the center of the flower, you’ll notice it feels slightly warm! (I actually tried it myself.)
👉 In fact, it is said that the lotus generates heat—possibly as a strategy to attract insects.

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Day 2｜Second Day（bowl-shaped）

・It begins to bloom in the middle of the night, reaching its most beautiful state by early morning.
・Its fragrance also becomes the strongest at this time.
→ This is the perfect moment for photography!

Day 3｜Third Day（dish-shaped）

・Its color begins to fade slightly.
・Yet, the flower still blooms with grace and elegance.

Day 4｜Final Day（starting to fall）

・The petals begin to fall, passing the baton to the next life.

Each flower lives only four days, yet undergoes a dramatic transformation.
Their fragrance, temperature, and posture evolve daily—a fleeting but powerful display of vitality.

It is said that the lotus is most beautiful on its second day of bloom.
However, I—Ikebanadoctor—also love the tightly closed buds and those just beginning to open on their very first day.
Which stage of the lotus do you find most captivating?

Best Time of Day & Photography Tips

🕢 Best viewing time: Around 7:30 to 8:30 AM
(This is when the lotus flowers from day 1 to day 4 are in full bloom.)

📸 The soft morning light enhances the delicate translucency of the petals, making it the perfect time for stunning photos!

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Lotus Physiology｜Why They Heat Up and Open-Close

“A flower that generates heat” or “opens and closes”—these are phenomena that are medically fascinating as well.

🌿 Heat production in the lotus occurs at the center of the flower (around the pistil) and is observed during the first to third day of blooming.
It is believed that this heat helps disperse the flower’s fragrance and attract insects for pollination.

🌞 The lotus flower opens and closes based on the expansion of cells in different parts of the petals.
When the inner cells expand, the flower opens; when the outer cells expand, it closes.

However, scientists still don’t fully understand why they open and close.
Is it light? Temperature? Circadian rhythm? The mystery continues to fascinate botanists and doctors alike.

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Why Does Water Spray from Lotus Leaves?

The “Lotus Leaf Shower” is a popular highlight during the festival.
When water is poured through the stem using a hose, it sprays out from the center of the leaf like a shower!

Why does this happen?

Because lotus stems and leaves have air canals (aerenchyma) that help them float and breathe.
These canals are hollow—so when water is introduced into the stem, it travels through and is expelled through the central pore of the leaf.

I actually filmed a video of it—and it’s truly fascinating!
I especially recommend it for families with children.
The event has already ended for this year, so be sure to experience it next year!!!

Fun Facts to Enjoy the Lotus Even More

• Lotus leaves can feel either smooth or rough, and the Ōga Lotus belongs to the smooth type.
• The lotus also has tiny downward-facing spines, which are believed to help deter insects—though much about this mysterious plant remains unexplained.
• The flower’s petal-like shape is said to be the origin of the word “Renge” (蓮華), a poetic name often used to refer to the lotus in Japanese.

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Healing Power of Lotus Flowers｜A Doctor’s View

As a doctor, I believe that the healing power of the lotus is supported by science.

• From the perspective of color psychology, pink flowers are said to have a calming effect and help regulate the autonomic nervous system.
• Exposure to natural morning light can stimulate serotonin production, which may help alleviate depression and insomnia.
• In addition, the fragrance of the lotus is believed to contain components with relaxing and anti-stress properties.

“Just watching the lotus bloom” can be a simple yet powerful self-care routine.

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Access & Visiting Tips for Chiba Park

📍Location: Chiba Park (Chūō Ward, Chiba City)
🚉Nearest Station: Chiba Park Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail — right outside the station
📅Best Viewing Time: Late June to early July
⏰Recommended Hours: Early morning, around 7:00 to 8:30 AM

💡Highlights & Tips

• On some days, you can listen to live explanations from a local guide! (Free of charge)
  (As of this post, the 2025 sessions have ended—don’t miss it next year!)
• Live demonstrations of the Lotus Leaf Shower are also held!
  (This year’s demos have ended—be sure to catch it next year!)
• Golden hour for photography is until around 8:00 AM—don’t sleep in!

If you’re visiting from Tokyo, it’s less than an hour away—a perfect early morning trip!

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Conclusion｜The Brilliance of Life in Four Days

As a doctor and flower lover, I believe these few morning hours among the lotuses are more therapeutic than any medicine.
If you are seeking peace, reflection, or a touch of wonder—come witness the lotus bloom.

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👉 For more details, please see the official information below:
Chiba City Tourism Association | Ōga Lotus Attraction Information Page

🌼 Why don’t you staend Flowers Worldwide — A Thoughtful Gift Across Borders

There’s something timeless and powerful about giving flowers. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a “just because” gesture, a thoughtfully arranged bouquet can speak volumes when words fall short.

As a flower enthusiast and physician, I’ve seen how even a single bloom can lift someone’s spirits. If you’re looking for a reliable way to send flowers—not only within the U.S. but also internationally—I recommend Flower.com. They offer beautiful seasonal arrangements, gift baskets, and even same-day delivery in many countries around the world.

From Japan to Europe to the Americas, Flower.com partners with local florists to ensure your heartfelt gift arrives fresh and on time.

Because flowers don’t just decorate—they communicate care, warmth, and connection, no matter the distance.

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🌸 Explore More Floral Journeys

If Chiba Park’s Oga Lotus moved you, why not explore more seasonal flower destinations around Japan?
As a physician, I share reflections on how nature and flowers help restore inner balance.
Take a mindful stroll through blooms and beauty:
▶︎ See more floral journeys here

🌸 If this post inspired you to try ikebana, check out our recommended lessons here: