Cosmos, which bloom from early to mid October in Japan, always remind me of home. The flowers aren’t native to South Africa, but they might as well as be. Brought over from Argentina via contaminated horse feed during the Anglo-Boer War, they are now a common sight across the country. Similarly, they found their way to Japan via Mexico during the Edo period and have become a quintessential autumn flower here.
In fact, cosmos are known as “autumn cherry blossoms”, or 秋桜, for their resemblance in shape to beloved sakura. In English, cosmos take their name from the Greek word for order and harmony—kosmos. And in Japan, the meaning of the flower is similar: harmony, purity, and humility. There are gardens and fields all across the country to enjoy during the annual bloom, like the famed Ikoma Plateau in Miyazaki. Kyoto also boasts its own cosmos festival, which is just as off the beaten path.
Kameoka is a small city that lies roughly 25 km (15.5 mi) northwest of Kyoto. It’s best known as the starting point for boat rides down the Hozu River and the ruins of Kameyama Castle, which once guarded the the northwest passage into Kyoto. Kameoka is also home to one of the largest cosmos gardens in the Kansai region.
Yume Cosmos Garden, or “Dream Cosmos Garden,” is open for a limited time each year when its 8 million flowers are in bloom. The garden boasts 20 different varieties over an area of 4.2 hectares, setting a gorgeous stage with the surrounding mountains as a backdrop. The festivities include food stalls, a flower shop, a dog run, and different weekend events, including concerts, mochi-pounding, and the annual Creative Scarecrow Contest.
Scarecrow, or kakashi, competitions are a popular way to celebrate the harvest in Japan each year. Entrants build their own original scarecrow, sometimes to a story or theme, and compete for the grand prize. At Yume, the entry pieces are displayed in the cosmos fields and visitors can vote for their favorite during their visit.
Yume Cosmos Garden also has a collection of its own scarecrows that are displayed every year for decoration. There are plenty of photo booths and props set up to enjoy, too. If you’re in the area at the time the garden is open, it’s worth a visit to enjoy some mountain air, see some local art, and escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.
Visit the Yume Cosmos Garden
The Yume Cosmos Garden is open from October to November every year. Be sure to check the website closer to the time for exact dates and opening hours. The garden is a 45-min drive from Kyoto City. You can also reach it by train and bus. From Kyoto Station, take the Local Kameoka train on the JR San-In Line and get off at Kameoka Station. Then take Bus 34, 40, or 59 and get off at the Sports Park Mae stop. The garden is a short walk from there.
Admission: 1,000 yen (weekends & holidays); 800 yen (weekdays)
