Pink 'Spiral Orchids' Bloom in Twisting Patterns Along the Iruma River in Sayama City, Saitama

Flowing through Sayama City in Saitama Prefecture, the Iruma River is now home to a thriving population of Nejibana—a species of orchid—blooming in soft pink hues along its riverbed between Shodai Bridge and Tajimaya Weir. What was once just a handful of plants has visibly expanded due to years of dedicated care by local residents. Today, the blossoms delight countless visitors every year.

A Season of Beautifully Blooming Nejibana

Currently, Nejibana plants on the left bank of the Iruma River are in full bloom, reaching heights of 15 to 40 cm with spiral-shaped flowers. The tiny 5 mm pink blossoms gently color the riverbed, creating a charming seasonal sight unique to this region.

Location

Riverbed on the left bank of the Iruma River, between Shodai Bridge (Shodai-bashi) and Tajimaya Weir (Tajimaya-zei)

- 【By Train】 - Approximately 20 minutes on foot from the west exit of Sayama Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line - ※ There is no parking available; please use public transportation or nearby coin parking

The Joy of Searching for Rare 'White' or 'Left-Coiling' Nejibana

While Nejibana typically have pink flowers, white variants occasionally appear. Additionally, some plants spiral clockwise ('right-coiling'), while others spiral counterclockwise ('left-coiling'). During your walk, take a close look at the small flowers beneath your feet.

- White Nejibana ※ Photo from past years - Left-coiling Nejibana

Conservation Efforts by Citizens: The Group 'Sagyoku'

This flowering site is part of the 'Adopt Program,' a city-citizen beautification initiative, and is protected by the local citizen group 'Sagyoku' (The Group to Beautify the Banks of the Iruma River).

When activities began in fiscal year 2006, only about five plants were confirmed. Thanks to continuous weeding and environmental management by the group, the population has recovered to approximately 7,000 plants annually.

In 2019, the site faced near-total destruction due to Typhoon 19, but since 2021, signs of gradual regeneration have been observed.

Expanding the Circle of Beautification Across the Community

'Sagyoku' manages environmental improvements across approximately 1.2 kilometers, from Shinfujimi Bridge to Tajimaya Weir. The initiative involves collaboration with the rugby team of Seibu Gakuen Bunri High School, students from Nishi Junior High School, and local businesses, forming a multigenerational community hub. Their achievements were recognized with the Grand Prize in the '2016 Saitama Environmental Awards.'