Best Sunflower Fields in Japan – You’ve seen pictures of the distinguished cherry blossoms of Japan. You’ve witnessed the distinct shibazakura of the Yamanashi region. You’ve experienced the remarkable sea of blue nemophila flowers at the Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki.
But did you know Japan is also home to an abundance of sunflower fields as well?
The beautiful bright yellow flowers that are bound to put anyone in a good mood are super popular in Japan. In fact, there are many fields of sunflowers located all across the country. They start from the northern Hokkaido prefecture and go all the way down to the south-western Shikoku islands.
The 7 Best Sunflowers Fields in Japan
During summer, visiting one or more of these sunflower fields is one of the most popular activities to do. We’ve listed below some of the best spots to witness this beautiful seasonal attraction.
- Akeno Sunflower Field, Yamanashi
- Hokuryu Sunflower Village, Hokkaido
- Zama Sunflower Festival, Kanagawa
- Izuma, Shikoku
- Sakura Sunflower Garden, Chiba
- Hill of Palette, Hokkaido
- Kiyose Sunflower Festival, Tokyo
1. Akeno Sunflower Field, Yamanashi
The Akeno Sunflower Field is one of (if not the) most popular sunflower fields in all of Japan. It is because of the distinct Japanese Alps in the background of the fields. It is not every day that you get to witness sunflower fields that stretch into the distance with enormous mountains filling the background. Combine this with the sunny blue of Japan in summer and you’ve got yourself a winner.
The best time to head to this place would be between late July and late August. The local farmers markets which are set up around that time are a treat. You might even come across the sunflower ice cream stand!
- Address: 5664 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0201, Japan
- Access: From Nirasaki Station, take a bus that is bound for Kayagatake Mizugaki Denen and alight at Haiji no mura kurarakan. This ride will take roughly 25-minutes. It is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop home.
2. Hokuryu Sunflower Village, Hokkaido
The Hokuryu Sunflower Village is another popular option. This sunflower field is located in the small town of Hokuryu-cho. The festival that happens annually between July and August is considered to be one of the biggest festivals across Japan.
The enormous fields of beautiful sunflowers are quite a sight to see. There are fireworks celebrations as well as impressive Taiko drum performances as well. Here, you can choose to hop into a cart and be driven around the fields. You can also simply walk through the fields of flowers yourself at a leisurely pace. You can even hire a bicycle to go for a ride through the maze of flowers.
There are food vendors that set up for the duration of the festival that sell interesting items, such as sunflower ice cream and even yellow watermelon!
- Address: Japan, 〒078-2511 Hokkaido, Uryu District, Hokuryu
- Access: From Takikawa Station, take the Chuo Bus Hokuryu bound bus and alight at Hokuryu Chugakko Mae. It is a 40-minute right away.
3. Zama Sunflower Festival, Kanagawa
For those staying in Tokyo who are pressed for time, the Zama Sunflower Festival is the perfect choice. It is located in another prefecture but it is only a one-hour train ride away from Shinjuku station – direct!
Whilst it does lack the mountainous background like other fields, it makes up for it in beauty. In fact, there are more than 550,000 sunflowers here annually! The Zama Sunflower Festival organisers also know how to run a good show. There are props like picture frames and hats supplied for those who want some fun photographs taken too.Â
Farmers also set up stalls during this festival. You can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables as well as Japanese festival snacks. These include shaved ice and ice cream cones.
- Address: Zama, Kanagawa 252-0013, Japan
- Access: From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line for Hon-Atsugi and alight at Sobudai-mae Station. The ride should take just over an hour and cost 420 yen. The festival is a short walk away.
4. Izuma, Shikoku
On the little island of Shikoku, located west of Honshu, sits Izuma. This sunflower field is probably the least known of all on this list, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch.
Every year, visitors to this field get to witness more than 100,000 sunflowers bloom across vast fields. With Shikoku being characterised by the ocean and the mountains, you can imagine what a beautiful backdrop you’ll get to witness.
You will hardly come across any crowds here – only locals looking to capture pictures of the beautiful scenery.
As it is located further to the west of Japan, the sunflowers bloom a little earlier. The sunflowers usually begin full bloom from the end of June until later in July.
- Address: Izuma, Tosa, Kochi 781-1142, Japan
- Access: From Kochi station, it is a 35-minute drive.
5. Sakura Sunflower Garden, Chiba
Another option for those pressed for time who are staying in Tokyo is the Sakura Sunflower Garden in Chiba. This garden is located within the Sakura Furusato Square. Furasato Square also home to the famous tulip festival held earlier in the year.
The Sakura Sunflower Garden is famous for the Dutch-style windmill that sits right next to the fields. People have gotten very creative with the photography here over the years as the windmill adds a touch of culture to the image.
With the bright blue summer sky in the background, this would be a great day-trip option.
- Address: 2714 Usuida, Sakura, Chiba 285-0861, Japan
- Access: From Nippori Station, take the Keisei Line towards Keisei-Sakura station and alight. From there, take the community bus from the north exit and alight at Furusato Hiroba. Otherwise, you can catch a taxi there in 10-minutes.
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6. Hill of Palette, Hokkaido
For sweeping views of sunflower fields, it doesn’t get much better than the Hill of Palette in Hokkaido. The expansive views here capture and hold the eyes for all visitors. The hill itself is located 60-100m above sea level. As opposed to other fields that are situated on flat land, the fields here are characterised by gentle rolling hills.
As it is situated away from civilisation, you will see nothing but blue skies and mountains in the distance. Given that it is located further up north, the sunflowers bloom a little later than average. You will be able to view them between late September to-mid October.
- Please note: you will be able to capture gorgeous scenery of the fields from around it butyou will not be able to enter the fields itself.
- Address: Horoka, Chitose, Hokkaido 069-1183, Japan
- Access: From JR Chitose Station, it is a 20-minute drive.
7. Kiyose Sunflower Festival, Tokyo
The Kiyose Sunflower Festival is probably the biggest sunflower festival in Tokyo. It’s definitely the most popular one for tourists staying in Tokyo. During the festival period, over 100,000 sunflowers bloom across a field of 24,000 square meters. It’s hard to believe that such a sight exists only an hour away from the concrete jungle of Tokyo. It’s also a marvel that it’s actually located right in the middle of Kiyose City!
Kiyose is also known for its crops and so you must come with a full wallet to support the locals. There is a small market set up for the duration of the festival selling local vegetables, food products as well as snacks to fill up on.
- Address: 1 Chome-142-26 Shimo Kiyoto, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-0011, Japan
- Access: From Ikebukuro Station, take the Ikebukuro Line and alight at Kiyose Station. It is a 30-minute ride and will cost 280 yen. From Kiyose Station, take a bus towards Greentown Kiyodo bus stop and it is a short walk from there. During the festival, there is a free shuttle bus on the weekends.
I hope you enjoyed our list of the 7 best sunflower fields in Japan!
The sunflower fields of Japan are an attraction that you didn’t know you needed to see. During summer, their beauty is unmatched. Get yourself out of the city to one of these distinct flower fields during your trip and you won’t regret it. We guarantee it’ll be near the top of your favourite sights and activities to do during summertime in Japan.
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