If you are traveling to Eastern Hokkaido between May and early October, why not add beautiful flower parks to your itinerary?
Here are the 6 best flower parks you should visit in Eastern Hokkaido.
Many of them are accessible with public transportation, and some are open to the public for free! They are perfect destinations if you travel on a budget but still want to enjoy nice and colorful views.
Let’s dive in!
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1. Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto (May - June)
In May and June, two hills in Higashi Mokoto come alive with bright pink, cute little flowers - moth phlox, also known as "shiba sakura" in Japanese as its color resembles sakura (cherry blossom). The views are amazingly beautiful, making a great backdrop for couples or family photos. There are many walking paths to explore and take in the view.
Aside from the stunning scenery, the park offers plenty of activities during the blooming period, such as fishing, go-karting, and a hot spring foot bath. Everything here is brightened up in pink - including Torii (shrine gate) and ice cream! Be sure to try shiba sakura soft serve for a refreshing treat.
Information
🎟 500 yen
🕒 8 am - 5 pm, May to early June
🚃 By public transportation - 40 min by bus from Abashiri to Higashi Mokoto and 5 min by taxi. Shuttlebus is available for a limited period (Check the schedule here).
🚗 By car - 30 min from Memambetsu Airport, 40 min from Abashiri, 1h hour from Kitami
ℹ️ Website
📍Google Map
2. Tulip Park in Kami Yubetsu (May - June)
In early summer between May to early June, a huge park in Kami Yubetsu turns into a colorful garden filled with over 200 different types of tulips with an endless variety of colors, shapes and sizes. If you want to catch the best bloom, try to visit between mid to late May.
There’s even a classic Dutch windmill that will make you feel like you’re in the Netherlands. Snap some photogenic shots with colorful tulips!
Information
🎟 600 yen
🕒 8 am - 6 pm, May to early June
🚃 By public transportation - 20 min by Yubetsu Mombetsu Line bus from Engaru Bus Terminal to Tulip Koen
🚗 By car - 15 min from Engaru, 30 min from Mombetsu, 1h from Kitami, 1.5h from Memanbetsu Airport.
ℹ️ Website
📍Google Map
3. Lily Park in Koshimizu (July - August)
Lily Park in Koshimizu is an amazing destination for flower lovers! Here, you'll find 7 million lilies of 100 different species from all corners of the world. You can overlook the park from an observatory at the top of the hill.
And if that isn't enough, you can even visit the lookout on Mt. Mokoto, or the nearby nature reserve Koshimizu Gensei Kaen nature reserve. The only downside is that there is no public transport to the park, so make sure to rent a car to get there
Information
🎟 600 yen
🕒 9 am - 5 pm, mid-July to August
🚃 By public transportation - Not available
🚗 By car - 30 min from Shari, Abashiri and Memanbetsu Airport
📍Google Map
4. Hana Tento in Abashiri (July - October)
When summer arrives in Abashiri, a ski slope transforms into a stunning flower park bursting with tens of thousands of sage and marigold blooms.
It all started back in 2002 when a group of local people dreamed up the idea to plant flowers on the unused hill in summer as a tourist attraction. Since then, the whole community has come together to keep the park looking its best, with local businesses and schools pitching in.
Enjoy the view from the top of the hill, where there's an observation deck with a beautiful view of Lake Abashiri.
Information
🎟 Free
🕒 Anytime, July to October
🚃 By public transportation - 20 min by Kanko Shisetsu Meguri Line bus from Abashiri Bus Terminal or JR Abashiri station
🚗 By car - 10 min Abashiri
📍Google Map
5. Sunflower Field in Memanbetsu (August - September)
Whether you're arriving or departing from Memanbetsu, make sure to squeeze in some time for a summery photograph opportunity. This gorgeous sunflower field is located just next to Memambetsu Airport.
With 400,000 sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see, it's a yellow-hued wonderland in August and September. And here's the best part - if you time it just right, you might catch a plane taking off or landing in the middle of all these sunflowers. It's a picture-perfect moment that draws photographers from all over, even outside of Hokkaido. Just keep in mind, Memanbetsu isn't a super busy airport, so the opportunities are limited.
Information
🎟 Free
🕒 Anytime, August to early October
🚃 By public transportation - Not available. 20 min walk from Memanbetsu Airport
🚗 By car - 5 min from Memanbetsu Airport
📍Google Map
6. Cosmos Park in Engaru (August - October)
Fall comes early to Hokkaido, and you'll feel it when 10 million cosmos are in full swing in Engaru. It's the biggest cosmos field in all of Japan, spanning a massive 10 hectares of land. September is the perfect time to soak up the beauty of these lovely flowers, with cooler weather to boot.
Getting there might be a bit of a challenge, since there's no public transportation. But it's only a quick 5-minute taxi ride from Engaru Station, so don't let that stop you! While you're in the area, be sure to hit up this local ice cream shop for some delicious treats - it's only a 20-minute drive away from the park.
Information
🎟 300 yen
🕒 9 am -5 pm, May to October (Cosmos season starts in August)
🚃 By public transportation - Not available
🚗 By car - 5 min from JR Engaru Station, one hour from Kitami
📍Google Map
THAT’S ALL!
Hope you enjoyed this article. I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback or questions - Reach out to me on my Facebook page or Instagram. We also have Eastern Hokkaido Travel Group on Facebook where you can ask questions or share experiences about trips to Eastern Hokkaido. Join us!
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