We were slightly discouraged by the fact that google was telling me it would take 1 hour and 50 minutes from where I live in Nishi Futami, plus a shuttle bus ride on unknown time (Google doesn't give this information). But we decided that if we want to get the most out of this year, we would have to be willing to travel a lot, otherwise, we'd never see anything... Let's face it... Everything is a bit of a hike from Nishi Futami...
What google didn't tell us was the price... unfortunately...
To get to Nada Kuroiwa we first took the Sanyo Line to Maikokoen station. This took about half an hour and and was reasonably priced at around 500 yen (6 bucks). This is the price google COULD tell us. So we were thinking that this trip would be fairly reasonably priced...
We then caught a bus from Maikokoen bus terminal to Fukura in Awaji. This bus trip does not have a price listed on google. It was easy enough to find, just follow the signs for the bus stop, and then once at the bus stop, find the bus stop that says Fukura. This bus took about an hour, and cost us around 2000 yen!
From Fukura we had to take another shuttle bus. This one did not have the price or time listed on google maps. I think it may be a seasonal specialty bus. It also cost us another 2000yen! This did include entry to the field though (although we had been under the impression that it would be free). This one stung, right in the pocket! But of course, we couldn't turn back now, after paying the last 2000 yen! So we paid it and got on the tiny shuttle bus, sitting on the make shift seats between real seats.
The shuttle bus trip took half an hour and then we arrived at Nada Kuroiwa. We saw a beautiful hill filled with narcissus flowers. Some jokes about narcicists were made. Pretty pictures were taken. But actually, we were underwhelmed. It was just one small hill really. With flowers. I was expecting something along the lines of Nabana no Sato for some reason. I mean, with entry fees, I would expect something spectacular... But to me it was really just something that, in passing, you would exclaim about it's prettiness... Not something you would travel for 2.5 hours, and pay over $50 to see (plus the return, so nearly a hundred dollars!)
It's my fault, I know... But it was a learning experience... We both swore to always check reviews before we go anywhere...
We did have a good little hike (It took us only 10 minutes to walk the entire trail loop over the one hill- and that's with photos), but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in Awaji for something else. Now, Nabana No Sato... THAT'S a winter attraction you MUST see. Pics below for comparison, but really a photo can't capture the overwhelming vastness of Nabana no Sato.
Wow.....and in Australia wildflower viewing is free.....untapped tourism potential.
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