2025 Hokuryu Sunflower Festival: Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors

09/07/202511/07/2025

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-1. What is Hokuryu Sunflower Festival?

Hokuryu Sunflower Festival is one of the largest sunflower events in Japan. 🌻

Located in Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, it features over 2 million blooming sunflowers covering an area of 23 hectares(about 32 soccer fields!).

Visitors can enjoy walking paths among the vibrant yellow flowers, taking photos, and experiencing local culture and food.

1-2. Why Visit in 2025?

2025 is a special year for the festival, with new attractions and cultural programs planned.

Highlights include:

✅ The Giant Sunflower Maze redesigned for an even more exciting experience

✅ Beautiful photo spots and Instagram-worthy views

✅ Local food stalls offering unique sunflower-themed treats

✅ Traditional performances and family-friendly activities

It’s the perfect place to create unforgettable summer memories in Hokkaido.

1-3. Quick Facts & Highlights

📍 Location

Hokuryu Sunflower Village

Hokuryu Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido

📅 Dates

July 20 – August 18, 2025 (may vary slightly depending on weather and bloom conditions)

🌻 Size

Approx. 2 million sunflowers in full bloom

🕒 Recommended Time to Visit

Morning (9:00–11:00) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat

Chapter 2: Best Time to Visit

2-1. Blooming Calendar & Weather

The sunflower fields begin to bloom in mid-July, reaching their most beautiful peak in early to mid-August.

✅ Approximate Blooming Schedule:

Late July: Early bloom (about 50–70% open)
Early August: Full bloom and best photo opportunities 🌻
Mid-August: Some areas start fading, but many flowers remain beautiful

Weather Tip:

Hokkaido summers are generally mild, but temperatures can reach 25–30°C (77–86°F) during the day. Always bring sun protection, water, and light clothing.

2-2. Peak Season vs. Off-Peak

✅ Peak Season:

August 1–15, especially during Japan’s Obon holidays (mid-August)
Expect many local and domestic tourists

✅ Off-Peak:

Weekdays in late July or after August 16
Fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere

2-3. Tips to Avoid Crowds

Here are some helpful tips to enjoy the festival comfortably:

🌿 Visit early in the morning (9:00–11:00) – Cooler weather and fewer people

🌿 Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible

🌿 Arrive in the late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) – Beautiful sunset photos and less traffic

🌿 Check bloom status online before your visit:

👉 Official Bloom Information

Chapter 3: How to Get There

3-1. Access from Sapporo by Train or Bus

🚉 By Train + Taxi

Take the JR Limited Express train from Sapporo Station to Takikawa Station (approx. 1 hour)
From Takikawa Station, take a taxi to Hokuryu Sunflower Village (approx. 40 minutes)

🚌 By Express Bus

Express buses run from Sapporo Bus Terminal to Takikawa Bus Terminal (approx. 1.5–2 hours)
From there, take a taxi to the festival site

✅ Note:

Public transport connections are limited. Renting a car or joining a tour is often more convenient.

3-2. Access from New Chitose Airport

✈️ By Train

JR Rapid Airport Line to Sapporo Station (approx. 40 minutes)
Transfer to the Limited Express train to Takikawa Station (approx. 1 hour)

🚗 By Car

About 2.5 hours (approx. 150 km) drive via Hokkaido Expressway

3-3. Driving and Parking Information

✅ Parking:

Available next to the festival site
Fee: 500 yen per car
Capacity: approx. 600 vehicles
Note: Parking is very busy on weekends and holidays—arrive early!

✅ Navigation Address:

Hokuryu Sunflower Village

143 Itaya, Hokuryu Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido, Japan

3-4. Transportation Tips for Non-Japanese Speakers

🚗 Rental Car Tips:

Many car rental companies have English GPS and English-speaking staff
Be sure to bring your International Driving Permit (IDP)

🚌 Public Transport Tips:

Very few English signs at rural stations
Have the Japanese address and name ready to show drivers or staff
Consider booking a guided day tour from Sapporo (many offer English guides)

Chapter 4: What to See and Do

4-1. Sunflower Fields and Photo Spots

The main attraction is the vast sea of 2 million sunflowers stretching across the fields.

🌟 Top Photo Spots:

✅ Observation deck near the entrance – panoramic views of the entire field

✅ Inside the sunflower paths – immersive flower tunnels

✅ The “World Sunflower Corner” – rare international varieties in bloom

📸 Tip:

Morning and late afternoon light is best for photography.

4-2. The Giant Sunflower Maze

One of the highlights for families is the Giant Sunflower Maze.

Approx. 1 km long
Fun for children and adults alike
Takes about 20–30 minutes to complete

🌻 Tip:

Bring water and wear a hat—it can get hot inside the maze.

4-3. Sunflower Festival Events and Performances

The festival hosts various cultural events and performances on weekends and during Obon holidays:

🎤 Examples of Past Events:

Local music and dance shows
Traditional drum performances
Professional wrestling exhibition (fun for families!)
Fireworks and Bon Odori dancing in mid-August

✅ Check the official schedule:

👉 Festival Event Calendar

4-4. Family-Friendly Activities

🌻 Sunflower Train Ride (“Himawari-go”)

A tractor-pulled ride through the fields
Great for kids and grandparents

🎮 Sunflower Treasure Hunt

A fun game to collect stamps or clues around the park

🛍️ Local Market Booths

Try sunflower ice cream, fresh corn, and regional specialties

Chapter 5: Local Food and Souvenirs

5-1. Must-Try Festival Foods

Hokuryu Sunflower Festival is famous not only for the flowers but also for delicious local food.

🌟 Recommended Dishes:

🍦 Sunflower Soft Serve Ice Cream – made with roasted sunflower seeds for a nutty flavor

🍙 Hokuryu Sunflower Rice Onigiri – rice balls made from the town’s own special rice

🥟 Sunflower Dumplings – unique dumplings blended with sunflower flour

🍛 Local Curry and Pork Rice Bowls – hearty meals using Hokkaido ingredients

5-2. Where to Eat (Vegetarian Options Included)

✅ Festival Food Stalls:

Located in the central area near the main gate
Tables and shaded rest areas available

✅ Vegetarian-Friendly Choices:

Cold noodles with vegetables
Grilled corn on the cob 🌽
Fresh salads and rice dishes

🌟 Tip:

Lines can be long during lunch hours (11:00–13:00). Visit early or later in the afternoon.

5-3. Popular Souvenirs to Bring Home

🛍️ Top Souvenirs:

🎁 Sunflower Honey – sweet and aromatic, a local specialty

🎁 Sunflower Oil – great for cooking or as a gift

🎁 Sunflower Rice (packaged) – grown locally in Hokuryu

🎁 Sunflower Seed Cookies – perfect as snacks

✅ Where to Buy:

Festival souvenir tents
Roadside station “Sunflower Park Hokuryu” (道の駅サンフラワー北竜)

Chapter 6: Useful Facilities and Services

6-1. Toilets, Nursing Rooms, and Rest Areas

✅ Toilets:

Several clean portable toilets are available around the site
Accessible toilets for wheelchair users and families

✅ Nursing Rooms:

A small nursing and baby care tent is set up during the festival
Ask staff for directions if you need assistance

✅ Rest Areas:

Shaded tents with tables and chairs are available
Perfect for relaxing, eating, or escaping the sun

🌟 Tip:

Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer, as facilities can be busy.

6-2. Wi-Fi, ATMs, and Credit Card Availability

✅ Wi-Fi:

Free Wi-Fi is not guaranteed throughout the festival grounds
If you need internet, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card

✅ ATMs:

No ATMs inside the festival area
The nearest ATM is at the convenience store or the roadside station (Sunflower Park Hokuryu)

✅ Payment:

Most food stalls accept cash only
Some souvenir shops and the onsen accept credit cards

💡 Tip:

Bring enough cash in Japanese yen to avoid inconvenience.

6-3. Accessibility (Wheelchairs & Strollers)

✅ Wheelchair Access:

Main paths are wide and mostly flat
Some areas have gravel and may require assistance

✅ Stroller Use:

Strollers are allowed throughout the festival
Larger wheels are recommended for uneven ground

🌟 Tip:

If you need extra help, look for staff in uniform—they are friendly and helpful.

Chapter 7: Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

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7-1. Sunflower Park Hot Springs (Onsen)

🛁 Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen is a perfect place to relax after exploring the sunflower fields.

✅ Features:

Large indoor baths and open-air baths
Family-friendly facilities and private baths
Local restaurant with Hokkaido dishes

📍 Location: Next to the festival site

🌟 Tip: Bring a small towel or buy one on-site.

7-2. Local Markets and Roadside Stations

🌿 Roadside Station “Sunflower Park Hokuryu”

Local vegetables, fruits, and snacks
Souvenir shop with sunflower products
Casual dining area

🍈 Seasonal Produce:

Melons and watermelons in summer
Fresh corn and Hokkaido potatoes

✅ Hours: Usually open 9:00–17:00 (check the website for details)

7-3. Other Summer Festivals Around Hokkaido

🌸 Furano Lavender Festival

Famous for purple lavender fields (July)
About 2 hours drive from Hokuryu

🎆 Otaru Ushio Festival

Traditional dance and fireworks (late July)
About 2.5 hours drive

Chapter 8: Travel Tips and Etiquette

8-1. What to Wear & Bring

✅ Recommended Clothing:

Light, breathable clothes for summer temperatures (25–30°C / 77–86°F)
Comfortable walking shoes (some paths are gravel)
A hat and sunglasses for sun protection

✅ What to Bring:

Sunscreen and insect repellent 🦟
A reusable water bottle
Cash in Japanese yen
A small towel or wipes

🌟 Tip:

Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool—bring a light jacket.

8-2. Japanese Cultural Etiquette

✅ Politeness:

Always be respectful and quiet in public spaces.
Smile and bow slightly when thanking people.

✅ Trash:

Japan has few public trash bins—take your garbage with you or use designated areas.

✅ Queueing:

Always stand in line and wait your turn, especially at food stalls and restrooms.

✅ Shoes:

If you visit a restaurant with tatami mats, remove your shoes at the entrance.

8-3. Safety and Emergency Contacts

✅ Emergency Numbers:

Police: 110
Fire/Ambulance: 119

✅ Lost and Found:

Ask festival staff (look for uniforms and badges).
Lost children are usually taken to the main information tent.

✅ Medical Care:

First aid is available on site for minor issues.
For serious emergencies, staff can help contact local hospitals.

🌟 Tip:

Have your passport and travel insurance information with you.

Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions

9-1. Is English Information Available?

✅ Yes, but limited.

Some signs have English translations.
Staff may speak basic English, but not always fluently.
For detailed help, use a translation app or bring printed information in Japanese.

🌟 Tip:

The official website also has some English pages:

👉 Hokuryu Official Website