Hokuryu Sunflower Village in Hokkaido is a must-see destination for visitors traveling around Hokkaido in summer. The stunning field of sunflower in this little town would make your trip a great adventure.
With a lot of incredible places to see, Hokkaido’s summer is very special for a number of reasons. One of the best summer highlights of Hokkaido is this iconic Sunflower village. There are many flower fields and gardens to explore in Hokkaido including the ones you find in Furano and Biei in central Hokkaido.
Himawari no Sato (Hokuryu Sunflower Village) is seen as the biggest sunflower field in Japan. It is unique, beautiful and a majestic sunflower garden you would ever visit in the land of the rising sun.
City life has never made me happy, so I always had to go for somewhere else where I can see eye-catching landscapes.
Instead of visiting Tokyo’s Disneyland, I would prefer to go to this sunflower garden and be part of nature. This journey to Hokuryu will take you into a world of silence and pleasure.
Therefore, let’s go and find it from A to Z including useful travel guides of Himawari no Sato.
Where is it Located?
Himawari no Sato is located in a small town called Hokuryu-cho in Uryu district, Hokkaido. About 2000 people live in this town. It is only 120 km away from JR Sapporo station, taking less than one hour and 50 minutes by train.
Sometimes we ignore exploring small cities, but if we think ourselves as real a explorer then why not to give it a shot? Hokuryu has a treasure! Yes, it has! Don’t you think that hosting the country’s biggest sunflower garden is a treasure?
To me it is much more than that though. Neither could it be found in Tokyo nor in Kyoto but only in Hokuryu. That’s sound pretty awesome!
About Hokuryo Sunflower Village/Himawari no Sato:
Hokuryu Sunflower Village is the largest and most beautiful sunflower field in Japan. I really have no idea about the biggest sunflower garden in the world, but I am pleased to see one in the land of the rising sun, which is picturesque and an extraordinary place to behold.
It is a huge sunflower field covering a land of 23.1 hectares. At the peak time your eyes would witness about 2 million sunflowers of different varieties in the vast filed. Is not it amazing? It would make you that this place is worth returning for.
The year of 1979 was the remarkable year for every resident in Hokuryu. That’s the year when for the first time sunflower cultivation had begun by Hokuryu agricultural cooperative staffs. Hokuryu’s fertile land and favorable weather helped to grow millions of sunflowers.
In 1987, the first sunflower festival (Himawari Matsuri) was held in order to spread it throughout the country. Once it was started, it never stopped until a natural disaster (tornado) had hit it in June 29, 2001.
Here, I want to inform you about a thing that seems to me a great activity. Students of Hokuryu-junior high school “the world of Sunflower” start their seeding process with the help of teacher’s guidance.
It is a great voluntary work; they make holes, put the seeds in and cover it. They usually think it as a fun job though seeding 30 different kinds of sunflower seeds is not an easy task at all. It takes time to get the job done successfully.
Based on this natural wonder, the authority decided to open a restaurant, shop stall, tourist office, sunflower tourism center, sightseeing tractor service, road station sunflower hokuryu, world sunflower corner, bicycle rental service, parking space, water mill, several observatory platforms, and duck ranch for visitors.
There is also another interesting thing to do that I believe you must try out. It is called sunflower maze! This is a fun way to enjoy your trip.
The admission to this sunflower village is free of charge, but there is a donation box where you can donate some money and could receive sunflower seeds!
Hokuryu-cho Himawari Matsuri (Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Festival):
Every seasonal matsuri (festival) in Japan represents the natural beauty of Japan. Himawari matsuri that was originated back in 1987 is now one of the top summer sightseeing spots in the Hokkaido region.
It is held every year in July. There is no fixed date but once it begins it stays for a month. Though expected month is in late-July.
To witness its utmost beauty you have got to come here in early-August. Don’t forget it! This is the best time to visit the sunflowers village and appreciate its beauty.
The field is covered with millions of shiny sunflowers that would overwhelm you at once. This year, Hokuryu-cho would host the 37th sunflower festival starting from July 22 to August 20.
Date: July 20 – August 18, 2024
Venue: Hokuryu-Cho Sunflower Village
Do you think that only viewing tons of sunflowers is the main attraction of this festival? That’s not true.
Apart from enjoying that part you are welcome to see fireworks display, Song performance, YOSAKOI, Hokuryu drum, Bon Odori performance, duck farm, shopping from the shop, riding bicycle, sunflower maze, leisurely speed tractor ride, visiting sunflower tourism center and photographing the beautiful landscapes.
In addition, you must try traditional Japanese dishes and sample drinks at the restaurant.
Staring at the Sunflower Field:
I like staring at the sight of the yellow sunflower field as far as the eye can see. It brings me an inner peace in my mind. It is relaxing and most importantly it takes me away to somewhere else where I could breathe joyfully.
You can do the same as I do whenever I get to this spot in summer. I made few trips to this sunflower field before. Every time I visited this site it has paid me off.
I did not care how much money I had spent for making every single trip to this field. I always thought of this as one of my dream destinations. My dream came true and I would come back there as long as I am able to get there.
Do you wish to make it as one of your dream destinations? Who knows, someday you would be marveling at those millions of sunflowers – it feels like they are very happy to see you there as their guests.
Best time to visit Himawari no Sato
The best time to visit Himawari no Sato is between late July and mid August. In general, at this time of year sunflower festival takes place. You are suggested to visit the area in early August.
Therefore, the first week of August is the best time, and it is the full bloom period of sunflower. Though, sunflowers start blooming in mid July. Many visitors arrive there from different parts of Japan and abroad.
I met few American tourists at Himawari no Sato and their opinion was to me “Wow! Your country is breathtakingly beautiful & a lot of things to experience” – I was honored hearing such comment! I think they all thoroughly had enjoyed everything they experienced at this sunflower village.
Things to do in Hokuryu Except Viewing Sunflower Field
There is a place called “Road Station Sunflower Hokuryu Onsen” where you can hang around and see its impressive dragon gate, shopping center, restaurant, hot springs and etc.
It is situated 1.5 km away from the sunflower village to the north. If you have any doubt of finding this place then don’t hesitate to ask locals or employees at the tourist centre.
There is a sunflower maze which is created for both for kids and adult. You can have fun spending few times there. You will have to pay 300 YEN (per person) to take this service. It is located near the pond duck.
Bicycle rental is available, so here is another fun thing to do. Paying with only 100 YEN, you can rent a bicycle for an hour.
Himawari Tourist Center provides you various things to experience such as having traditional Japanese dishes at restaurant inside this center; you can rest as long as you want since chair-table is provided for visitors. You can find shop there and buy some beautiful souvenirs from.
You can find small cottages in the shade of trees. Have some rest there when you get tired of strolling along the paths in the sunflower park.
Viewing sunflowers while riding on the sightseeing tour car is a must do thing here. Adults have to pay 500 YEN and for children it is only 300 YEN. So if you have got two kids you will have to pay 600 YEN!
Other things you could do are listening to songs performed by locals, drum performance, sunflower park golf tournament, fireworks display, and photographing.
My Experience at Himawari no Sato:
It is my pleasure to share my travel story with you here. As I have been there several times in the past, I know how incredible this place is. Most of the I visited this flower field when the sunflowers on the hill slopes were in full bloom.
If there is a place of beautiful blooming world of sunflower then it is the Himawari no Sato. Millions of sunflower planted on the slopes of the hills which sounded to me like a paradise.
I rented a bicycle and roamed around the sunflower field, I almost went to the edge of the site of sunflower village. WOW! How nice! Apart from this, I ate watermelon, enjoyed shows and the fireworks display.
I met with new people there who were also tourists like me. They asked me to go to souvenir shop with them, I could not say “No” because I really enjoyed their intimacy. We had soft-served ice cream and Udon noddles there and believe me the shop was full of sunflower goods!
The day I was viewing the sunflower field it rained for a little while and after raining I saw a beautiful rainbow. That’s the moment which is unforgettable.
You can’t compare the summer weather of Hokkaido with Tokyo if you have not experienced them both separately yet. In fact, Hokkaido’s summer is much better than Tokyo’s summer. Pleasant breeze with a sunny day was a perfect day of traveling around, and I fully enjoyed my whole trip.
Useful Information for Visitors:
1) The sunflower village/park is open for 24 hours during the festival time and the admission is free for all.
2) There is a big parking spot though it is limited to 500 cars only. You will not have to pay a single penny for parking your car.
3) The best time to see sunflower here is “Early-August.”
4) You can load free wheelchairs and strollers from the tourism center.
5) Wheelchair accessible toilet is also provided with general public toilet.
6) Sunflower tourist center provides free Wi-Fi facility for visitors.
Access: How to reach to Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Village?
The sunflower village is accessible by train, bus, or car. The distance between JR Sapporo Station and Hokuryo Sunflower Village is approximately 120 km.
You can rent a car from Sapporo city and enjoy a drive to Hokuryu. However, whether you take a car, bus or train, it would take at least 2 hours to reach there.
If you prefer a train journey, get on the limited express train from JR Sapporo Station to JR Takikawa Station. Then take a bus to the sunflower village, and make sure to get off in front of Hokuryu-junior high school. Alternatively, you can get there by highway bus operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus.
Are visiting the site from Asahikawa city? You can take a train to from Asahikawa Station to Fukugawa Station, and then transfer to the bus that goes to Hokuryu. Please note that the bus departs from Fukugawa Hospital.
Attention!! You can enjoy a day trip from Sapporo city!
Hokkaido Chou Bus offers a sightseeing day bus tour to Hokuryu. Check their official website and search for a bus tour bound for Hokuryu. You can click here for online reservations.
Would you Take a Trip to Hokuryu this Summer?
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind now. If you have passion for traveling and you do really love nature then why are you waiting for?
When you explore a place on the internet, I guess it is better to explore that in real life as well. Make a travel plan to Hokkaido, and pay a visit to Hokuryu. You will not regret for this trip, it is so rewarding!
To enjoy a splendid summer vacation in Hokkaido one must head to this beautiful sunflower village. Great moment does not come to us every day, we are the ones who have to find it somehow and somewhere else in the world.
Here is the address and telephone number given below if you still care!
Address & Phone Number:
Place: Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Village (Himawari no Sato)
Address: 143-2. Itaya. Hokuryu-cho, Uryu-Gun, Hokkaido
Date: July 20 to August 18, 2024
Website: http://hokuryu-kankou.com/index.html
Tel: 0164-34-2082
Experience Hokkaido’s summer through this wonderful sunflower garden . It is a special destination for visitors who are planning to visit Hokkaido in August.
Be sure to plan your trip accordingly and just don’t miss the sunflower matsuri there. Wishing you good luck. Thanks a lot.
Great post! Thank you very much for this fantastic content! 🙂 🙂
Could ypu please tell me if I will be able to see sunflowers on the 28th of August?
Thank you once again!
Hi, thank you for your comment.
I am sorry to inform you that you would not see sunflowers there on the 28th of August as they would be harvested after the festival ends.
Therefore, I would like you to visit the area before August 21 if you can.
Thank you so much!
I am visiting Hokkaido in Aug 19 till Aug 30. Planning for self drive. Still in time to see the sunflower ?
Hi Jane,
Kindly check your email to see the answer of your question. Thank you.
is there any entrance fee?
Hi, there is no entrance fee. And you can visit the sunflower field anytime you want during the festival. Thank you.
What is your operating hours and days. ?
When is the best time to see Sunflower in Hokuryu, Lavender in Furano and Flowers in Biei?
Thanks
Hi,
If you are to witness tons of sunflowers in Hokuryu then visit the area in early August. When it comes to viewing lavender in Furano I would tell you to get there in July. On the other hand, if you want to see impressive flowers fields in Biei better go there in mid July. Thank you very much.
Thanks for the reply.
Is it convenient to travel in Hakodate and visit places of interest without a car? I intend to arrive at Hakodate airport and stay for 3 days before renting a car to other parts of Hokkiado for next 10 days. Then return the car at Chitose airport. Is this arrangement Ok?
Thanks
Why not? It is and there are trains and buses to roam around! Yes, of course. Everything seems to me fine. Wish you all the best. Thanks a lot.
I am visiting Hokkaido on 14.9.2016. Will I see sunflower filed?
Hi Yuan,
Thanks for visiting this post. I am sorry to tell you that you won’t see sunflower field there in mid-September. However, you can expect to see early fall foliage there in Hokkaido. Good luck.
Thanks for your reply. Is it still worth visiting Hokuryu-Cho Sunflower Village in mid Spt?
My advice to you is that don’t visit it in mid September. It is beautiful and worth visiting only in the summer. Thanks.
Hi. Can I know what bus that go to sunflower field and where can i get the schedule. Is the bus infrequent?
Hi, Good afternoon! It is CHUO Bus that takes you to Hokuryu. If you want to visit it from Sapporo then go to CHUO Bus Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter. It is located on the 2nd floor of JR Sapporo Station Bus Terminal. See the map here. It is kind of infrequent but it does not matter at all, please check out the Chuo Bus official website for more info.
If you know how to drive a car then why don’t you find a rental car in Sapporo?! Please find the cheapest rental cars in Sapporo: http://www2.tocoo.jp/
Thank you.
May I know which hotel to recommend to stay near the Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Village? We will be reaching Sunflower Village on 20th Aug.
Hi,
Thanks for visiting this post. You should stay at Sun Flower Park Hotel, Hokuryu-cho. Please follow this link for making a reservation online. Call here: 0164-34-3321. Thank you.
Hi! Thank you for the informative post.
Do you think there is a possibility for me to see the sunflowers when I go on 4th September? I tried to research online and different websites say different things. I am most interested in the one in Horukyu. The ones in Biei (Shikisai no Oka & Zerubu no Oka) will be fine too, if the Horukyu one is no longer in bloom. 🙁
Thank you! 🙂
Hi, thanks for visiting this post.
As far as I know, sunflower seeds are harvested from the beginning of September in Hokuryu. Therefore I don’t think you would be able to see fresh sunflowers there on 4th September, I am sorry. You should visit it in mid-August. On the other hand, there is a chance of viewing sunflowers at Shikisai no Oka & Zerubu no Oka. Well, Hokuryu’s sunflower field looks very spectacular, you must visit it as nothing can be compared with this.
Thank you and Have a great time in Hokkaido. 🙂
Hi how about 27 Jul 2016 any chance to see sunflower? Do u suggest we do lavender 1 day n sunflower 1 day ?
Hi,
Sorry for the late reply. Well, That would be just awesome if the weather remains sunny on that day. In fact, festival will be held from July 16 to August 21, in 2016. I think, if you have time then who cares! Yes you can do that, no problem at all. 🙂
Hi, I am going to visit the sunflower fields on 9 July 2016. Do you think I would see sunflowers then? I know that it probably wouldn’t be full bloom but would there be sunflowers open by then?
Helli, I don’t know exactly when the sunflowers would start blooming this year as it does depend on the weather. You better change the schedule if you don’t want to be disappointed. Just to inform you that may experience few blossoms there at that time. It is extremly beautiful during the peak season which I mean in late July. I hope this helps, thanks.
Hello there,
I am planning to be in Sapporo in mid October, 2016. Do you think there is a chance that the sunflowers (at least some of them) will still be in bloom?
Thanks, Andy
Hello Andy,
I am sorry to inform you that there is no chance to see sunflower at that time. I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Hi there
Can we drive to Furano, Biel and then to Horuryu for the sunflowers in one day?
Hi there,
Yes it is possible for you to drive to Furano, Biei and then Hokuryu in one day but you might skip visiting some other beautiful flower gardens in Furano except Farm Tomita, Saika Farm, and Nakafurano Flower Park if you are in such rush.
I hope this helps.
Thank you very much.
Hi there, many thanks for this great info. Would it take a good day to visit Hokuryu too? I love flowers! In SIN, we have plenty of orchids!
Best
Elizabeth
You are welcome!
Yes sure! In fact when I was there I spent 4 hours doing other things including viewing sunflowers and it was a beautiful sunny day.
As you love flowers I guess Hokkaido would never disappoint you with its stunning flower gardens. Good luck.
Thank you.