While the primroses in Shinden, Adachi Ward seem to have disappeared, have they been revived in Ukima, Kita Ward, upstream?
Primroses are now generally enjoyed as potted plants, but they once grew wild all over Japan, and in the Kanto region, they grew in large clusters in the wetlands of the lower Arakawa River basin. It is said that in those days, Ukimagahara was covered in primrose colonies, and when April arrived, they would all bloom at once. Sightseers would travel up the Arakawa River, tea houses would line the banks, and the area was very lively, much like the famous cherry blossom spot, Asukayama. This scene continued until the early Showa period, but due to the Arakawa River improvement and embankment construction, the main flow of the Arakawa was significantly altered, and the flooding of the Arakawa, which was necessary for the propagation and growth of the primroses, ceased. As a result, the primroses gradually decreased, and they were only preserved in the gardens of local enthusiasts. Then, in August 1962, local people brought their garden primroses together to form the Ukima Primrose Preservation Society. Since then, thanks to the heartfelt cultivation work of the members, the scenery of the Ukimagahara of those days has been revived within the field.
For 11 days from Friday, April 11th to Monday, April 21st, the 'Ukima Primrose Festival' will be held at the Ukimagahara Primrose Field (within Ukima 2-30, Metropolitan Ukima Park).
Inside the field (approximately 1,600 square meters), which is only open to the public during this period, lovely pink and pure white primroses, carefully raised by local residents, will be in full bloom across the area. Potted primroses grown by local elementary school students will also be on display.
Every year, many people, including gardening enthusiasts and photographers, visit to appreciate this spring tradition of Kita Ward.
On Monday, April 14th, I will get off at Ukima-Funado Station on the Saikyo Line and head for the
Ukimagahara Primrose Field.
The park is right in front of the station.
Ukimagahara Primrose Field
'In our country, even the grasses bloom with cherry blossoms' - Issa
I received a pamphlet at the entrance. Admission is free.
They are not yet in full bloom.
White primroses
They are few in number.
Heading to a nearby shrine that sells potted plants.
Ukima Hikawa Shrine
The left guardian dog statue: dignified.
The right guardian dog statue: slightly smiling.
I offered my prayers.
According to a cultivation volunteer, the government office cannot sell them, so they sell potted plants here.
I am hopeless at gardening, so I had no intention of buying one and forgot to ask the price.
Beyond Hikawa Shrine, there is an embankment and the Arakawa River (floodway).
From here on, a detour.
A wisteria trellis in a residential garden,
An embankment beyond the cherry blossoms.
I will walk around using the free map distributed by Kita Ward.
The Koshin-zuka in Ukima was well cared for.
Kitamuki Jizo-do Hall
In October of the 2nd year of Hoei (1705), 21 members of the group...
Erected in February of the 6th year of An'ei (1777) by the Ukima Village Ko-chu group, in connection with the faith of staying up all night on the day of the Koshin zodiac sign to pray for health and longevity.
Kasaya Koshin-do Hall
From here, I will visit temples and shrines on the way to Akabane.
I will post about it tomorrow or later.
I am heading toward Akabane Hachiman Shrine, which I passed by without stopping a long time ago.
That is 1000 characters.
See you later.