“Hokkaido’s flower parks are overcrowded“? No, this is not true.
I’d say, “Tourists are only crowding the touristy parks.“ Like the famous Farm Tomita in Furano, or Shikisai no Oka in Biei.
As a local who grew up in Hokkaido, I know off-the-beaten (but as beautiful) flower parks that many tourists don’t know.
So here are the 7 best flower parks you should visit in Eastern Hokkaido.
Many of them are accessible by public transportation. Some are even open to the public for free! They are perfect additions to your itinerary, if you are on a budget but still want to enjoy nice and colorful views.
Let’s dive in!
What We'll Cover
- Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto (May - June)
- Tulip Park in Kami Yubetsu (May - June)
- Lily Park in Koshimizu (July - September)
- Hana Tento in Abashiri (July - October)
- Sunflower Field in Memanbetsu (August - September)
- Cosmos Park in Engaru (August - October)
- Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu (April - October)
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1. Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto (May - June)
From early May to early 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.
If you want to go easy, take a mini truck ride going up the hills and enjoy the panorama views (400 yen for a round trip).
The observatory overlooking the park is accessible by a wheelchair or a stroller.
Aside from the stunning scenery, the park offers lots of activities during the blooming period, such as fishing, go-karting, a camping site, and a hot spring.
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
Admission fee: 600 yen
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, early May to early June
Access: 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
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!
If you have young kids, I recommend also visiting Family Ai Land You, a local amusement park nearby, which is just 20 min away from the Tulip Park by car.
It’s a small amusement park, but I personally loved it when I was a kid. They have a ferris wheel overlooking Lake Saroma, a cycle monorail, go-kart, a big jungle gym and a loooong slider (my favorite!).
Information
Admission fee: 600 yen
Hours: 8 am - 6 pm, May to early June
Access: 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.
3. Lily Park in Koshimizu (July - September)
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 what’s even more fun? A soft-served ice cream using lily roots!
If this isn't enough, you can also visit the lookout on Mt. Mokoto, or the nearby nature reserve Koshimizu Gensei Kaen nature reserve. Note that there is no public transport to the park, so make sure to rent a car to get there.
Information
Admission fee: 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
4. Hana Tento in Abashiri (July - October)
When summer arrives in Abashiri, a ski slope transforms into a beautiful flower park 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, including local businesses and schools, has come together to keep the park colorful and welcoming every summer.
Enjoy the view from the top of the hill. There's an observation deck with a beautiful view of Lake Abashiri.
Information
Admission fee: Free
Hours: Anytime, July to October
Access: By public transportation - 20 min by Kanko Shisetsu Meguri Line bus from Abashiri Bus Terminal or JR Abashiri station
By car - 10 min Abashiri
5. Sunflower Field in Memanbetsu (August - September)
Whether you're arriving or departing from Memanbetsu Airport, make sure to make a quick visit to this gorgeous sunflower field. It is located just next to the airport.
You will find 400,000 sunflowers stretching as far as you can see. The best time to visit is from August to 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!
Many airplane-loving photographers from all over Japan come here to take their best shots. Just keep in mind, Memanbetsu isn't a super busy airport, so you should check the flight schedule if you want to see the combo.
Information
Admission fee: Free
Hours: Anytime, August to early October
Access: By public transportation - Not available. 20 min walk from Memanbetsu Airport
By car - 5 min from Memanbetsu Airport
6. Cosmos Park in Engaru (August - October)
Fall comes early to Hokkaido, and we'll feel it when 10 million cosmos are in full swing in Engaru. It's the biggest cosmos field in all of Japan, covering a massive 10 hectares of land.
September is the perfect time to enjoy the bloom. The park has a souvenir shop, a rest area and public bathrooms.
Getting there might be a bit of a challenge, since there's no public transportation. But you can take a quick 5-minute taxi ride from Engaru Station.
While you're in the area, be sure to check out this local ice cream shop for some delicious treats - it's only a 20-minute drive away from the park.
Information
Admission fee: 600 yen
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, May to October (Cosmos season is between mid-August and late September.)
Access: By public transportation - Not available
By car - 5 min from JR Engaru Station, one hour from Kitami
7. Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu (April - October)
Photo: Hokkaido Garden
Tokachi Hills is a beautiful flower garden standing on a hill in the Tokachi Plain. This area is one of the biggest agricultural lands in Japan and provides fresh produces like milk and wheat.
Tokachi Hills has different areas featuring not only flowers but also herbs, vegetables and even fruits.
At the garden cafe inside the park, you can taste dishes and drinks using the veggies and fruits grown right at the park, while enjoying a view of the Tokachi Plain.
Information
Admission fee: 1,000 yen
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, April 20 to October 31
Access: By public transportation - Not available
By car - 15 min from JR Obihiro Station
THAT’S ALL!
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