7 Hokkaido Flower Parks Most Tourists Don’t Know

“Hokkaido’s flower parks are overcrowded“? No, this is not true.

I would 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!

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).

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.
• Official website
• Google Map

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
• Google Map

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
• Google Map

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
• Google Map

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.

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
• Google Map

7. Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu (April – October)

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
• Website
• Google Map

Your next steps

Now you know the hidden gem flower parks that most tourists don’t know. Enjoy the beautiful scenery without crowds!

Looking for more things to do in Hokkaido in summer? Check out these local festivals.

If you like traveling off the beaten paths, you’ll enjoy the rural Eastern Hokkaido, full of wild nature. Or find hidden gems in the popular destination Furano, recommended by a local.

Traveling with kids? I have a list of fun things to do with little ones, and a 5-day family-friendly itinerary that’s easy to follow.

Happy trip planning!