Hokuryu Sunflower Village - Hokkaido
Hokuryu Sunflower Village (北竜町ひまわりの里) is the place to visit when you want to see and experience the famed Hokuryu Sunflower Festival. It is located in Itaya in the town of Hokuryu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village details
The Hokuryu Sunflower Village began in the summer of 1979 when the Hokuryu Agricultural Cooperative staff was inspired after visiting a sunflower field in the former Yugoslavia.
The idea was supported by the community, and the first Sunflower Festival was held in 1987. Since then, the Hokuryu Sunflower Village has had many successes as well as some setbacks as well as catastrophes.
Himawarikanko Center |
Welcome to Hokuyu Sunflower Town |
Aside from sunflowers, you can also enjoy the tomato, corn, and melon from Hokuryu |
Speaking of catastrophes, typhoons, and even tornadoes once caused significant damage to the community. In spite of everything, the residents of Hokuryu banded together and overcame the issues. Without them, Hokuryu would not be the most popular tourist destination every mid-July to mid-August.
The Hokuryu Sunflower Village currently has a total land area of 23.1 hectares. Every year from mid-July to mid-August, it hosts the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival. There could be 1.5 to 2 million sunflowers in the field during the festival. The hybrid Sunflower, Spring Rinzo, Summer Rinzo, and Hana Rinzo sunflower varieties are grown here.
Ride the sightseeing car called Himawari-go |
The Hokuryu Sunflower Festival remains to be a major summer event in Hokkaido. It features a sunflower maze, sightseeing car Himawari-go, bicycle rentals, souvenirs, and food shops that sell sunflower-themed goods and products.
The Hokuryu Sunflower Village was our first destination last August 6, 2022, which was also my 278th day as an ALT under the JET Programme here in Japan. Additionally, it was our first-weekend road trip since purchasing a car. Witnessing an entire field turn yellow was an incredible experience. Next year, we would without a doubt return.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village Admission Fee
It's FREE to enter the Hokuryu Sunflower Village. However, you need to pay to enter the maze and also experience the sightseeing car Himawari-go.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village Operating Hours
The best time to visit Hokuryu Sunflower Village is from Mid-July to late August when the sunflowers are in full bloom and the town is celebrating the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival. The village is open from 9AM to 6PM.
Why visit the Hokuryu Sunflower Village?
Hokuryu Sunflower Village is a highly recommended destination during the summer season. You should visit during the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival. You would surely enjoy the beautiful sea of yellow created by millions of sunflowers.
Getting to Hokuryu Sunflower Village
Hokuryu Sunflower Village is best visited by car. However, if you’re coming from Rumoi City, you can ride the Dohoku Bus bound for Asahikawa and board down at the Furusaka bus stop. However, from there, the roadside station is still 2.7 kilometers away which means that you have to walk for about 30-40 minutes to reach the roadside station.
Bus fare: 890 yen
Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Bus fare: 890 yen
Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
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