The Enchanting Beauty of Flower Gardens in Japan
Japan is famously known as the Land of Sakura, but its floral beauty goes far beyond cherry blossoms. While the cherry blossom season peaks from late March to mid-April, there are many other flower gardens that bloom throughout the year, offering stunning sights no matter when you visit.
Here are some of Japan’s most beautiful flower gardens worth exploring:
1. Keisei Rose Garden (Chiba)
Located in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, the Keisei Rose Garden spans 7.4 hectares and is home to 10,000 roses of various types. In 2015, it received the Award of Garden Excellence at the 17th World Convention of Rose Societies.
At least 1,600 varieties bloom from mid-May to June and again from mid-October to early November, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can also attend workshops led by flower experts, learning how to plant and care for roses using the provided soil and fertilizers.
2. Shiga Agricultural Park (Shiga)
Also known as Blumen Hugel Farm, this park in Hino, Shiga Prefecture features a German-inspired garden set within a traditional Japanese farming landscape.
With seasonal blooms including hibiscus, sunflowers, roses, rapeseed flowers, pansies, tulips, and even cherry blossoms, the park is a must-visit. Pets like dogs are welcome, and you can also interact with farm animals such as cows, horses, sheep, and alpacas. The park offers educational activities, including cooking and craft classes.
3. Sera Kogen Farm (Hiroshima)
Located in Sera, Hiroshima Prefecture, Sera Kogen Farm is considered Japan’s largest flower park. Visitors can enjoy 11 million sunflowers and 700,000 tulips in bloom.
Tulip season: April–May
Sunflower season: August
Dahlia festival: September–October, featuring over 25,000 dahlias of 450 varieties
The farm also features unique sunflower mazes during the summer festival, creating a fun and picturesque experience.
4. Yamada Sunflower Garden (Saga)
For sunflower enthusiasts, the Yamada Sunflower Garden in Miyaki, Saga Prefecture is the perfect destination.
In November, around 100,000 sunflowers bloom, creating a breathtaking contrast of yellow flowers against green trees and bright blue skies. The scenery is so picturesque it feels like walking into a painting.
5. Ikoma Plateau (Miyazaki)
Located in Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Ikoma Plateau is famous for its spectacular seasonal flowers.
Spring: Poppies and rapeseed
Summer: Salvia
Autumn: Cosmos
The garden operates from spring through autumn and offers panoramic views of Mount Kirishima and Nishimoro Valley, along with amenities like cafés and souvenir shops.
6. Tomita Garden (Hokkaido)
Established in 1903 in Hokkaido, Tomita Garden is best known for its lavender fields. Peak bloom occurs in mid-July, when the garden turns into a sea of vibrant purple.
Nearby, there are fields of poppies and Japanese roses, as well as a small section featuring 50 types of climbing and flowering plants. The most famous area among tourists is Irodori, a colorful patchwork of seasonal flowers that creates a stunning visual display.
Japan’s flower gardens provide year-round beauty and unique experiences beyond cherry blossoms, making them perfect destinations for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking peace and vibrant scenery.
