Flowers for Lena
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Zinnia Blooms at Flowers for Lena: A Florist’s Handcrafted Beauty in Hokuto, Yamanashi
山梨県北杜市「フラワーズ・フォー・レナ」に咲くジニアの花々
Flowers for Lena, a florist located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, stands out for selling both fresh and dried flowers that are 100% cultivated by the owners from planting and nurturing to harvesting and sales.
The staff I spoke with explained that the shop takes special care to avoid chemical fertilizers and minimize the use of pesticides. Around forty varieties of flowers are grown each year in open-air fields from June to October, without relying on greenhouses, which in Japan are typically aluminum frames wrapped in layers of lots of ugly plastic.
Flowers that make it all the way to harvest are displayed at the storefront, even in the summer months. This is possible thanks to the region’s cooler highland climate, unlike in urban centers where fresh flowers must be refrigerated to prevent wilting.
When I visited, the florist had recently opened a new building beside the old shop. The new space features a black wood stove that reminded me of the one my family had when I was a boy. It also houses a gift shop selling goods and clothing primarily for gardening with simple, down-to-earth designs, like straw hats, woven carry bags, cotton scarves, and aprons for both the kitchen and the garden.
The new building also includes a café and restaurant, which I unfortunately didn’t have time to visit. A quick glance at the menu showed sweets and drinks made from locally sourced ingredients. I’m always happy to see small proprietors collaborating with other local businesses rather than depending too heavily on imported materials. It’s a wonderful way to keep money circulating within the community so that neighbors can thrive together.
I learned that “Flowers for Lena” began operating in 1984, which was just one year before I arrived in Japan. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they’ve managed to flourish in such a remote area for more than forty years.
For this shot of zinnia flowers (Zinnia elegans), I chose the Classic Negative film simulation, based on Fujifilm’s Fujicolor Superia 100 from the 1980s. I love the vintage film vibe, which pairs beautifully with the earthy tones of the flowers. The simulation adds a smooth contrast between deep shadows and gently muted colors, creating a nostalgic yet natural look.
Even in a changing world, places like this shop remind me that the most enduring creations often come from steady hands and a genuine love for the land.
Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Pref., Japan
Timestamp: 2025/08/27・15:24
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
23 mm ISO 640 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2
Classic Negative film simulation
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