🗺️ Okegawa Red Flower Field桶川べに花畑（桶川市農業センター付近）

The red flower is the city flower of Okegawa City in Saitama Prefecture. The production of red flowers in Okegawa began with flower seeds brought by Edo merchants. Since then, Okegawa has gradually developed into a distribution center for red flowers and once prospered as a post town on the Nakasendo. The red flowers produced in Okegawa are known as "Okegawa Benibana," and they rank second in Japan in production, following "Mogami Benibana" from Yamagata Prefecture, enjoying a nationwide reputation. The flower fields of Okegawa are mainly distributed in the Kawadadani area (around the agricultural center of Okegawa City) and the Kana area (around the Benibana Hometown Hall). Every year, during the flower season in mid-June, the "Benibana Festival" is held. In the "Benibana Picking Garden," you can see vast fields of red flowers and participate in the experience of picking red flowers. Additionally, there are experience activities such as red flower dyeing held at the "Kawadadani Lifelong Learning Center." It is also recommended to visit the nearby "Benibana Hometown Hall," which features a restaurant and DIY experience classrooms. The Okegawa City area is filled with red flower fields, making it a great time to visit during the early summer blooming season of the red flowers.

"桶川臙脂" is renowned throughout Japan. The safflower is the symbol of Okegawa City. Every year in mid-June, the "Safflower Festival" is held. Various DIY experience activities such as safflower picking and safflower dyeing can be participated in.