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The Mystique of the Lotus and Morning Activities Summers in Japan get incredibly hot during the day, but there is a magical sight that can only be witnessed in the early hours of the morning. Lotus flowers begin to bloom at dawn and close around noon, making this a beautiful event well worth waking up early for. Blooming beautifully from the mud, the lotus is a highly symbolic flower. In Buddhism, it even serves as the pedestal (lotus throne) upon which the Buddha sits.

I highly recommend the Kanrenkai (Lotus Viewing) at Sankeien Garden here in Yokohama. This is a special event held from around 6:00 AM on summer weekends at this traditional Japanese garden. For a limited time during the summer, the garden opens its gates early, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning combination of historical architecture and elegant lotus flowers. It is easily accessible by bus, making it highly recommended for those living in Yokohama.

For those living in Tokyo rather than Yokohama, I highly recommend Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. The overwhelming scale of the entire pond covered in giant green leaves and vibrant pink flowers is truly a must-see.

I read in the newspaper recently that summers in Japan are becoming increasingly tropical, much like Southeast Asia. It is said that the average working hours lost due to the extreme heat amount to hundreds of millions of hours annually. Global warming is genuinely beginning to impact economic activities. Among the expats here in Japan, there are likely many from Europe, and I hear the heatwaves there are absolutely fierce this year—with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), it's apparently hot enough to fry an egg using only the sun and a frying pan!

Considering all this, taking a walk in nature during the cool, early morning hours might just be the most logical and beneficial way to spend the summer season. Lotus viewing helps regulate your autonomic nervous system and brings balance to your mind. Why not give it a try this weekend?