Vast field of yellow sunflowers (himawari) blooming in the Japanese summer countryside

Japan Sunflower Guide 2025

Every July and August, Japan's countryside transforms into a sea of gold as himawari (sunflower) fields bloom across Hokkaido, Yamanashi, Gunma, and Kanagawa. From 1.5-million-flower plains in northern Hokkaido to Mt. Fuji-backdropped fields in Yamanashi, Japan's sunflower season is one of summer's most spectacular natural shows.

Stay in Hokkaido During Sunflower Season

Hokkaido in July combines Japan's largest sunflower fields with lavender at Furano and Tomita Farm — a spectacular summer pairing.

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Japan's Sunflower Season

Sunflowers (himawari 向日葵, literally “facing the sun”) bloom across Japan from late June through August, with peak timing shifting based on latitude and elevation. Hokkaido fields peak in late July; Kanto and Tokai regions typically peak in mid-to-late July; higher-elevation spots in Nagano and Yamanashi can extend the season into August.

Himawari Season by Region

HokkaidoLate July – mid-August; Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Village (200 hectares, 1.5 million flowers)

Kanto RegionMid-July – early August; Kiryu Himawari-no-Sato (Gunma), Zama Himawari Matsuri (Kanagawa)

YamanashiMid-July – early August; Akeno Himawari Field (Mt. Fuji backdrop)

KyushuLate June – July; Miyazaki and Fukuoka prefectures; also Nagasaki coast

Best Sunflower Viewing Spots in Japan

Hokuryu-cho (Hokkaido)

Japan's Largest

Hokuryu-cho (北竜町, “Sunflower Town”) in northern Hokkaido plants 200 hectares of sunflowers — roughly 1.5 million flowers — making it Japan's largest himawari field. The annual Sunflower Festival (late July) includes guided tours, local food stalls, and panoramic viewing platforms. Access from Sapporo by bus (2.5 hours) or rental car.

Akeno Himawari Field (Yamanashi)

Mt. Fuji Backdrop

The sunflower fields at Akeno (明野) in Yamanashi Prefecture are positioned against a view of Mt. Fuji — one of the most photographed combinations in Japanese summer photography. 800,000 flowers across 10 hectares bloom mid-July to early August. Access from Kobuchizawa Station by bus during the festival season.

Zama City Himawari Festival (Kanagawa)

Zama City near Yokohama holds one of the Kanto region's most accessible himawari festivals — 450,000 flowers across multiple fields with food stalls, local sake tasting, and a fireworks finale. Runs late July to early August. Access by Odakyu Line to Sougaoka or Sagamiono Station.

Photographing Sunflower Fields in Japan

Sunflower photography in Japan has a few consistent challenges — the bright summer sun, crowded pathways, and the directional nature of the flowers themselves (which face east in the morning and roughly follow the sun westward through the day).

Field Photography Timing

Golden Hour AM06:00–08:00 — soft light, flowers facing east (toward you if shooting from the west side), minimal crowds

MiddayHarsh shadows; flowers turn away from east-facing photographers; avoid for landscapes

Golden Hour PM16:00–18:00 — warm light; flowers face west (toward you if on the east side of the field)

OvercastDiffuse light eliminates harsh shadows — excellent for macro shots of individual flower heads

Frequently Asked Questions

When do sunflowers bloom in Japan?▼

Japan's sunflower season runs late June through August, with peak timing varying by region. Hokkaido peaks late July to mid-August. Kanto (Tokyo area) peaks mid-July. Yamanashi (near Mt. Fuji) peaks mid-July to early August. Higher elevation fields in Nagano can extend to late August. Check local festival announcements for exact peak dates each year as conditions vary.

Are Japan's sunflower fields free to visit?▼

Most himawari fields charge a small entry fee during festival season — typically ¥200–¥500 per person. Some larger festivals (like Zama) charge ¥200–¥300. The fee supports field maintenance and festival costs. Fields outside official festival periods may be free to walk around, but check with local tourism offices as regulations vary by site.

Can I pick sunflowers in Japan's himawari fields?▼

Picking flowers without permission is not allowed at most managed sunflower fields. Some sites offer "cut your own flower" programs (hana-tsumi) for a fee — these are clearly marked and typically ¥100–¥200 per flower. At commercial farms that sell sunflowers for revenue, cutting without payment is considered theft.

Book Your Hokkaido Summer Hotel

July and August in Hokkaido bring sunflowers, lavender, and cool temperatures — one of Japan's most popular summer destinations. Book early.

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