Why You Should Visit
Each summer, Yamasa Kamaboko opens its 12,000-square-meter lotus pond to the public free of charge, just north of the company's head factory in Yumesaki, Himeji. From June through July, six varieties of lotus—including the ancient Ohga lotus—bloom in shades of pink and crimson. Lotus flowers open in the early morning and close again before noon, so the soft light of dawn is the best time to catch them in full bloom. A walking path circles the pond, letting you stroll past the large blossoms floating on the water at a relaxed pace. A lovely spot for early risers who want to enjoy a quiet summer morning.
Essentials
- location
- Lotus pond north of Yamasa Kamaboko head factory, Yumesaki, Himeji
- period
- June 1, 2026 (Mon) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
- cost
- Free
- access
- Coming by car is recommended. Free parking is available in front of Yumesenkan or at the temporary lot (Shimizubashi Higashizume). From the parking area, follow the colored cone signs along the walking path to the lotus pond.
- TAGS
- NOTE
- - The opening period may change depending on blooming conditions.
- There are no restrooms at the venue—please use facilities beforehand.
- Part of the route includes stairs.
- Picking plants or collecting aquatic life is prohibited. Please take your trash home.
- Street parking near the venue is strictly forbidden; please use the designated parking lots.
- A photo contest runs alongside the event on the official Instagram (@yamasanpo_official). Post with #ヤマサ蓮の花2026; winning entries receive an assortment of kamaboko.
FAQ
Is there an admission fee?
When is the best time to see the flowers?
Are there restrooms at the venue?
Calendar
Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.
Events
Events nearby & around the same time
Other events happening around the same time or in a similar area.
3/27 - 3/31
EXPO Legacy HYOGO Stamp Rally
Various locations across Hyogo Prefecture (Hyogo Field Pavilion sites & Expo Legacy facilities)

4/17 - 8/16
Kimyoi Plants Exhibition in Rokkō Garden Terrace 2026
Rokko Shidare Observatory
7/5 - 9/6
Special Exhibition: Godzilla – THE ART (70th Anniversary)
Kobe Yukari no Bijutsukan (Higashinada, Kobe)

7/17 - 8/30
PAW Patrol Dino Adventure at Premium Outlets
Throughout Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets
8/23
Oshibedani Akashigawa River Festival 2026
Sumiyoshi Shrine and the Akashi River waterside (Hosoda, Oshibedani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe)
Related
People who read this also read
- Openings & Closings
The Veranda Kobe: 4 New Spots Open with Forest-Floating Terraces and a 5m Hammock Net
The Veranda Kobe, the mountaintop resort above Shin-Kobe, is renewed in April. The terrace area roughly triples in size with four new spots — Garden Terrace, Emerald Lounge, Sky Bar and Hammock Sanctuary — featuring terraces that float above the forest, water mirrors reflecting sky and greenery, and a hammock net suspended about 5m above the ground. About 10 minutes by ropeway from Nunobiki Ropeway 'Herb Garden Sanroku Station'.
- Events
NIGHT PICNIC 2026 Opens May 26 — Four Nights in Kobe's Higashi Yuenchi Park
NIGHT PICNIC 2026 takes place May 26–29 at Higashi Yuenchi Park in Sannomiya, Kobe. Themed 'Dress code: unguarded,' 58 rotating food vendors and 13 programs light up the night park. Free admission. A pre-opening preview.
- Openings & Closings
UCC Coffee Museum Reopens After Six Years: Hands-On Experiences and New Exhibits from July 1
Japan's only dedicated coffee museum returns to Kobe's Port Island on July 1, 2026 after a six-year closure. New interactive exhibits plus four paid experience courses including roasting, blending, and 3D latte art. Admission: ¥880 adults, ¥440 children. Fully reservation-based; Aug/Sep bookings open July 1 at noon. Museum shop: no reservation needed. Entirely indoors.
- Local Buzz
Hydrangeas in Bloom at Kakogawa's Enshoji Temple | ~90 Varieties, Peak Through Around July 5
At Enshoji Temple in Shikata-cho, Kakogawa, more than 350 hydrangea plants of around 90 varieties are in bloom. The city says the peak lasts through around July 5, the staggered bloom relay through early July, and the overall season through mid-July. A rain-friendly flower temple, home to rare varieties like Hakujuko, which shifts from white to red.
- Openings & Closings
Halal-Friendly Japanese Restaurant 'Honolu Premier Kobe' Opens in Sannomiya on May 26
Honolu Premier Kobe, a halal-friendly Japanese restaurant, opened in Kobe’s Sannomiya area on May 26, 2026. The restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine including rich chicken paitan ramen, premium wagyu dishes, vegan options, and more — all prepared to halal standards.
Events
What to do in Kobe this weekend?

7/1 - 7/29
Ultraman × Kobe Port Tower | 60th Anniversary Collaboration
Kobe Port Tower

7/24 - 8/16
Arima Ryofu Beer Garden 2026
Arima Shinsui Hiroba
7/28
43rd Motomachi Night Market 2026
Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street (entire area)

7/28 - 8/3
NIGHT PICNIC 2026
Higashi Yuenchi Park

8/1
Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks – Aug 1, 2026 | A Summer Night Show by the Harbor
Meriken Park
8/2
Gakuen Summer Festival 2026
Kobe Gakuen-toshi Campus Square (Nishi-ku, Kobe)
Explore