Apr 12, 2025
Saitama's delicate and threatened symbolic flower
On an errand to Saitama City's Urawa Ward, I transited through Urawa Station. At the civic square on the east exit of the station, I noticed banners celebrating さくら草まつり, Sakurasou Matsuri. It's a two-day display, April 12th and 13th, of delicate flowers. These are Japanese primrose, primula sieboldii, tiny blossoms that look like sakura. On the plaza, there were hundreds of specimens in little pots. There are horticulturalists selling the flowers and giving cultivation advice, too.
So what's the big deal with these tiny, delicate flowers? They're Saitama City's symbolic flower. And they're threatened by development. The city protects Tajimagahara Primrose Grove, a national natural monument.
If you happen to pass through Urawa Station on Sunday, take some time to see these pretty flowers.
And a bonus, some 山草 sansou, mountain flowers at an adjacent display.
3 Comments
BigfamJapan
on Apr 13
The same festival was also on in Sakurasou park today... or at least it was supposed to be, but they may have called it off due to the rain!
TonetoEdo
on Apr 13
@BigfamJapan I thought of mentioning it, but left it out because of the weather forecast. How about we both boost this important environmental topic next year. And here's hoping the weather is more cooperative for these events.
BigfamJapan
on Apr 13
@TonetoEdo I'm on board! Great idea.