Where to see flowers in Hokkaido? This northernmost island of Japan is a popular destination for nature lovers. Ever year in the summer, many tourists flock to see its gorgeous flower gardens, especially lavender fields are quite popular. Flower viewing is a time-honored tradition throughout Japan. Every region has its own special flower traditions. In the Hokkaido region, you'll see flower fields unlike any other in the world. The special relationship that Japanese culture has with the wonderful natural surroundings of its country mean that these flower fields are carefully cultivated and celebrated. Every season in Japan has its own blooms (even winter, though those ‘blooms’ are often unique snow features’). If you are in Hokkaido, a day amid the flowers may be just what you need to refresh and renew during your trip. Here are ten great places to see flowers in Hokkaido!
1. Farm Tomita
Known for its cultivated lavender blooms, Farm Tomita raises numerous flowers. The lavender usually reaches its peak from the middle of July to early August.
Spring and summer flowers bloom here as well, including rape blossoms, poppies, lupins, lilies, sunflowers, salvias, and cosmos. You can enter the farm for free. It's famous for its many lavender products.
At Farm Tomita’s newer, second location, you can enjoy shopping, eating, and viewing flowers as well as paid ride on the “Lavender Bus” through the fields.
From June to September, some trains on the JR Furano Line will actually stop as the seasonal Lavender-Batake Station, which is a very short walk from Farm Tomita. Some summer sightseeing buses also stop here.
Take a look at the best flower farms in Furano and Biei areas.
2. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Shibazakura is a pink or white flower also known as pink moss phlox.
It blooms every spring and few places are as great to see it as at Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park north of Mount Mokoto. The park holds its Shibazakura Festival to celebrate.
Not only can you see the flowers, but you can also enjoy excellent local food, fishing, go-carts, performances, and more.
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park can be reached by driving 30 minutes (or taking a taxi) from JR Sekihoku Main Line, Memanbetsu Station, or Memanbetsu Airport.
3. Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park
This tulip farm is located in north Kitami City. It is one of the most famous spots to see tulips on Hokkaido. The farm started when Terunori Nishikawa planed a tulip in the 1950s and has grown from there.
The Kamiyubetsu Tulip Fair held here every year is one of the biggest and best tulip fairs in Japan and is considered one of the top three in the country.
On the park grounds, there is the Yubetsu Folk Museum as well as shops, restaurants, and a bulb shop for aspiring gardeners. You can also view the tulip fields from the park’s windmill-shaped observation deck.
There is a small admission fee to enter the park, but parking is free. During the fair, admission is free.
If you are interested in exploring some other interesting tulips viewing spots in Japan, click here.
4. Shikisai no Oka
This panoramic garden spans fifteen hectares of land on Oka-no-machi Biei. Flowers bloom here almost year-round, changing with the various blooming seasons in Japan.
The views here are incredible, offering a refreshing and colorful change of pace for busy travelers. The smells are amazing, too!
When there isn’t snow on the ground, you can enjoy cart or buggy rides through the blooming fields, while winter means special rides on snow rafts, sleds, tubes, and special acrobatic rides.
While admission is free, it is asked that visitors donate 200 yen per person to help maintain the upkeep of this wonderful garden.
Learn more about Shikisai no Oka.
5. Hokuryu Sunflower Village
Summer in Japan means sunflowers, and few places in Hokkaido are as great to see them as Hokuryu Sunflower Village. The village is located between Sapporo and Asahikawa.
You can enjoy strolling among the 2 million sunflowers. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and you can enjoy something to eat at the food court.
There is also a near by hot spring bath that is the perfect cap to a relaxing day. You can reach Hokuryu Sunflower Village by taking a train to Fukugawa Station on the Lilac-Kamui Line, from there, takes a bus to Hokuryu High School and walk five minutes to the sunflower fields.
6. Zerubu Hill
More than 30 different kinds of flowers can be found at Zerubu Hill, including lavender, pansies, sunflowers, and many more.
You can find it along the Furano National Route in Biei Town, in the southeastern part of Asahikawa City. Besides viewing the flower fields, you can also enjoy shopping, visiting a gallery, and food at the park’s restaurant.
Admission is free, though most facilities are only open from late April to early October. To get a closer look at the flowers, you can drive a dune buggy or go-cart or just choose to go look on foot.
7. Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park
No matter the time of year, there is something fun to do in Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park. It is the only national government park in Hokkaido and is located near Sapporo, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
A large flower garden spreads across a hillside in the park, featuring a wide range of flowers every season, from lavender to tulips to cosmos.
There’s also a large playground with a forest theme, great for both children and adults, and three waterfalls, including the spectacular Ashiribetu Falls.
In winter, sledding, snowshoeing, and more are available. To get to the park, take the Subway Namboku Line to Makomanai Station. Once there, take the Chip Bus to either “Suzuran koen keiryuguchi”, “Suzuran koen chuoguchi”, or “Suzuran koen higashiguchi” bus stops, then walk five minutes to the park.
8. Shichiku Garden
Originally a barren vacant lot where Akiyo Shichiku decided to start her garden many years ago, this garden has blossomed into one of the most colorful in Japan.
It is grown without the use of herbicides or other chemicals. You can walk amongst the many different kinds of flowers and can even pick as many as you want.
There’s a café where you can eat and fairytale-like playground of children. Be sure to try the “rose soft serve”, a pink soft serve ice cream served in a green cone to resemble a rose. Entry costs 800 yen for adults and 200 yen for children from ages 6 to 15.
9. Flower Land Kamifurano
In Japan, Hokkaido is a summer flower paradise with many breathtaking gardens and fields. A lot of tourists visit its top flower viewing spots every year. Some of these iconic places are crowded, while others are less touristic.
This less touristic yet huge field of flowers features all the seasonal blooms: lavender, German iris, salvia, lily, cosmos, sunflower, and more. Throughout summer you can ride in a tractor bus through the blooming field.
While there, enjoy a restaurant, a garden shop, a smalls hop full of agricultural products, and a unique asparagus cooking spot.
10. ONZE Harukayama Lily Garden
Located in Otaru, this lovely garden covers more than 25 acres. It is a lily garden and features more than fifty species of this beautiful flower.
The lilies begin blooming in early July and continue through the beginning of August. Enjoy walking up the garden’s hillside as you see and smell the flowers. You can also ride a horse through the garden. There is a playground for children to enjoy.
In August, the lilies are illuminated for nighttime viewing. When you get hungry, you can enjoy classic Japanese foods at the garden’s restaurant, including some special lily foods.
Adults can enter for 400 yen and children are free. To get to the garden, take the JR Hakodate line to Otaru and get off at JR Zenibako station. There is a shuttle from the station to the garden for the summer lily season.
