First peoples in America were the first to use sunflowers for decoration. They found ways to produce vibrant yellow and purple pigments from the flower and seeds and used this pigmentation in pottery and other art.
Hokuryu Sunflower Festival in Hokkaido is one of the best sunflower festivals in Japan during the summer months. It has been running since 1987 and showcases the beauty of a staggering 2 million sunflowers covering 23 hectares.
In addition to the overabundance of sunflowers, this event also offers two sunflower mazes, soft-serve ice cream, and bicycle rentals.
You can attend the event for free but must pay to enter the sunflower maze or rent a bike. There will also be professional photographers to capture the beauty of the sunflowers and special activities for kids. Food trucks will be on-site to provide refreshments.
GETTING THERE
The Hokuryu Sunflower Festival is a two-hour drive from the Sapporo New Chitose Airport area or approximately 90 minutes from Asahikawa Airport. Free on-site parking is available for 500 vehicles.
Buses are available to the festival area from JR Fukagawa Station for public transport users.
