At Narakuroiwa Suisenkyou in the southern part of Awaji Island you can find around 5 million wild daffodils growing thickly on a steep slope facing the sea. It’s among the three largest areas for wild daffodils in Japan.

A 10-minute climb along the trail from the parking area brings you to a lovely viewing spot. Together with the field of daffodils, I’m moved by the great blue sea spreading out below… I continue towards my goal, the observation deck.

Below is the view from the observation deck!
Rocked by the wind, daffodils are in full bloom on a 45 degree steep slope, and I can see Nushima Island floating in the great blue sea.

There’s a trail along the seaside, so I head down the slope a little at a time, while taking breaks along the way and admiring the splendid scenery.

As the daffodils bloom towards the south, if you head halfway down of the slope and turn and look up, you can see the flowers facing you.

Further on, this view of the daffodils is another sublime sight! The contrast between the blue sky and the lemon yellow of the daffodils is wonderful.

If you can, the best time to visit Nadakuroiwa Suisenkyou is in the morning. However, I personally recommend the afternoons between 15 and 16 o’clock. As the slope on the seaside faces south, it has sunlight in the evening, as well.

Daffodils glistening in the setting sun offer a magical sight, and as evening approaches the spot isn’t so crowded, so you can enjoy more space on your walk.

How would you like to take a walk in beautiful scenery while looking at millions of daffodils and the great blue sea surrounded by the sweet scent of the flowers? It’s great in wintertime too!

Nadakuroiwa Suisenkyou
Location: 2 Nadakuroiwa, Minamiawaji city, Hyogo prefecture
Guide HP: http://www.city.minamiawaji.hyogo.jp/site/suisenkyou/ (Japanese)
Season: From late December through late February (the season is subject to change according to the blooming)
Open: 9AM -5PM (last entrance at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults JPY500 / Children (Elementary & Middle School students) JPY300

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka