Spring Fairy” katakuri flowers are at their best on the Otedo leading to the ruins of Kasuga-yama Castle (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture).

2025.4.4

KatakuriJoetsu City大手道

Pale purple katakuris are now in full bloom along the Otedo leading to the ruins of Kasuga-yama Castle in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.

Katakuri is a perennial herb of the lily family with pale purple flowers. They are about 15 cm tall and are also called “spring fairies” for their dainty appearance.

The flowers bloom in and around the ruins of Kasuga-yama Castle every year at this time, and city employees found them blooming on the 27th of last month. They are now at their best and are growing in clusters along the Otedo leading from the foot of Kasuga-yama to the guard house.

They are also in bloom around Ninomaru and Sanomaru, located halfway up Kasuga Mountain.

Mr. Takeda, Joetsu City, Kasuga-yama Tourist Information Staff
From now on, a variety of flowers and grasses will be in full bloom. When the weather is good, you can see the mountains in the distance, and the view from the main gate is spectacular.

 

According to the city, the best time to see katakuris will last until the middle of this month.

In addition, the Oyama cherry trees are beginning to bloom in the middle of the mountain.

From next month, light purple shagas will decorate the area around the Kakizaki residence near the summit, and purple and white kakitsubata will adorn the main road, as the season heads into early summer.