For this photo, I selected a large, beautifully shaped, lotus flower and photographed the petals shining through in the sun. The "Ancient Lotus Village" in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the most famous lotus viewing spots in Japan, where about 120,000 lotus flowers of 42 species bloom all over the lotus pond from mid-June to early August. The most notable of these is the "Gyoda lotus (ancient lotus)," which has a primitive form with few petals, and is believed to be about 1,400 to 3,000 years old. The best time to see the lotus flowers is in the morning, and visitors can enjoy the moment of blooming in the clean air and soft light of early morning. The sight of them gives visitors an unforgettable impression. In addition to the lotuses, the park is dotted with diverse natural features such as an aquatic botanical garden, a waterfowl pond, a peony garden, a plum grove, and a cherry blossom viewing plaza with beautiful cherry trees, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons. Visitors can experience the beauty of nature as the seasons change: cherry blossoms bloom in spring, lotus flowers in early summer, autumn leaves in fall, and plum blossoms in winter. The view of the lotus pond is especially spectacular, and the view from the observation tower overlooking the vast lotus sea is an ideal photo spot for photography enthusiasts.
- Date: June 24, 2023
- Photographer: Wabi
- Location：Ancient Lotus Village
- Address: 2375-1, Oaza-Kohari, Gyoda-shi, Saitama
- Photography equipment: Galaxy s21+
