Flower Fields in the Kasaoka Bay Reclamation Area Canola blossoms to the horizon, then a break for grape soft serve

In late March, I parked my red car at Kasaoka Bay Farm. When I opened the door, I saw canola flowers spreading out beyond the car park. I’d expected the flowers to be much closer, but instead I was looking across a vast expanse of land. I stepped out and looked up: the flower field and low mountains were all in view at once. I couldn’t get over how big it was.

I wore a mint off-the-shoulder top and a white skirt to see the spring flowers. As I walked beside the field, I found myself wondering not just about the flowers in front of me, but how far they stretched beyond what I could see up close. The canola grew in low, dense patches, and my eyes kept following them into the distance. Just standing in such an open place made me want to take things slowly that day.

I heard that it took 24 years to create the Kasaoka Bay Reclamation Area, which was completed in 1990. The roadside station’s flower fields have been a seasonal attraction since the station opened in 2011. I’m here to see the flowers, but it took years of work to create this land from the sea. Looking across that flat stretch of land made me want to take in its scale all over again.

For a break, I bought a grape soft serve from Himawari Cafe. I went back to the edge of the car park and looked past my parked red car toward the canola flowers. The chill hit first, then the sweetness of the grape came through. I hadn’t expected to enjoy flowers and something sweet in the same place. Today I got to enjoy both things I love, and I couldn’t help smiling.

While I was looking toward the canola flowers, a little drip started to run down from the tip of my soft serve. I hurried to cup my free hand under the cone, then laughed at myself: now I had to keep my eyes on the soft serve. I’d meant to admire the scenery, but that cold little drop brought my attention right back to eating. Still laughing, I took another bite and adjusted my grip on the cone.

After I’d finished every last bite, I looked at the canola flowers once more. Now that I wasn’t holding my soft serve, I could look out into the distance for as long as I liked. I’d been amazed by the size of the field when I arrived, but before leaving, that same wide-open view felt so comforting. I’d enjoyed my little break so much that I wasn’t ready to get back in the car. I can see myself coming back next spring for the flowers and soft serve.