2 days ago
Ancient lotus flowers in full bloom at park northwest of Tokyo
Ancient lotus flowers are in full bloom in the city of Gyoda, northwest of Tokyo.
The ancient lotus of Gyoda was grown from seeds that were excavated in construction work conducted in the city in the 1960s and 1970s.
The seeds were discovered in a geological layer more than 1400 years old. They germinated by themselves.
The Ancient Lotus Park in Gyoda City grows about 100,000 of the flowers.
Pink lotuses, with a diameter of around 20 centimeters, have entered full bloom.
Many people visited the park from the early morning on Friday as lotus flowers are believed to be most beautiful at that time, when they begin to blossom.
A woman in her 70s said she was impressed by the beauty of the flowers, which have been around since ancient times.
She said that just looking at the flowers made her feel relieved from heat exhaustion.
The ancient lotus blossoms are expected to reach their peak by mid-July.
