Every year, from early May to early June, Shibazakura Takinoue Park transforms into a breathtaking sea of vibrant pink as the moss phlox flowers—locally known as Shibazakura—blossom across the park’s vast
grounds. This annual event, known as the Takinoue Shibazakura Festival, has
become one of the most popular flower festivals in Japan, drawing visitors from
across the country and around the world to experience its unique beauty.
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| Takinoue Shibazakura Festival |
The History of Takinoue Shibazakura Festival
The story of Shibazakura Takinoue Park's Moss Phlox dates back to 1956 when the local community planted a small box of
moss phlox seeds—a humble beginning that has since blossomed into a stunning
floral phenomenon. The initial planting, which filled just a small area,
gradually expanded over the years. Today, the park is home to an incredible
100,000 square meters of vibrant pink moss phlox, covering the hillsides and
creating a spectacular "carpet" of flowers. Each year, the flowers
bloom from early May to early June marking the start of the annual Takinoue Shibazakura Festival, attracting visitors to witness the stunning
beauty of the vast floral expanse.
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| Takinoue Shibazakura Festival - Takinoue town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Dreamlike Floral Experience
As visitors wander through the park, they
are greeted by a sea of bright pink Moss Phlox flowers, creating a
picture-perfect landscape that seems straight out of a dream. The flowers’
sweet fragrance fills the air, adding to the enchantment of the surroundings.
The Takinoue Shibazakura Festival offers visitors a chance to experience this
natural wonder in its full glory, with the vibrant carpet of flowers stretching
as far as the eye can see. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply
someone who appreciates nature’s beauty, this festival offers an unforgettable
experience.
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| Takinoue Shibazakura Festival poster |
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| Shibazakura Takinoue Park Information Map |
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| Takinoue Shibazakura Festival as seen from Takinoue Shrine |
Takinoue Shibazakura Festival Highlights
At the height of the blooming season, the
festival comes to life with a variety of events and activities for all ages.
The local community organizes a Moss Phlox Festival, where visitors can enjoy
stalls selling delicious snacks, local souvenirs, and handicrafts. The lively
atmosphere is complemented by a series of stage performances, featuring music,
dance, and traditional Japanese performances that celebrate the season.
Photos of the Takinoue Shibazakura Festival
Shibazakura soft cream
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| Shibazakura soft cream |
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| Shibazakura and Vanilla soft cream |
The festival is a true celebration of
nature, with the park’s stunning floral display serving as the perfect backdrop
to the festivities. Whether you’re looking to indulge in local delicacies like the shibazakura soft cream, shop
for unique gifts, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the flowers, there’s
something for everyone to enjoy.
Team Nicerio attends Takinoue Shibazakura Festival
My family and I had the pleasure of
attending the Takinoue Shibazakura Festival on May 28, 2023, which
happened to be the last day of the event. It was my 573rd day here
in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Our visit happened to be the 60th Takinoue Shibazakura Festival. We felt fortunate to experience it
in person, especially since we had only seen pictures of the festival in
previous years. Thankfully, the weather was perfect for our visit. We
thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the expansive park, taking in the breathtaking
views, and indulging in the delicious Shibazakura Soft Cream, which had a
delightful cherry-like flavor. If given the opportunity, we would absolutely
love to return in the future.
Shibazakura Takinoue Park Admission Fee
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| Shibazakura Takinoue Park tickets |
Although it’s FREE to enter and explore Shibazakura
Takinoue Park. During the Takinoue Park Shibazakura Festival (early to
late May), visitors need to pay an admission fee to enter and explore the park
grounds.
Adults: 500 yen
Students: 250 yen
Shibazakura Takinoue Park Operating Hours
During the Takinoue Park Shibazakura
Festival (early to late May), access to the shibazakura area of the park is from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Why Should You Experience the
Takinoue Park Shibazakura Festival?
The Takinoue Festival Shibazakura is not
just a flower festival—it’s an immersive experience that allows visitors to
connect with nature, culture, and the local community. The park’s expansive
Moss Phlox fields are among the largest in Japan, making it a must-visit
destination for flower enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers. The
combination of stunning natural beauty, sweet fragrances, and the vibrant
festival atmosphere makes this event a truly unforgettable experience.
Getting to Shibazakura Takinoue Park
The most convenient way to reach
Shibazakura Takinoue Park is by private or rental car. This allows you to
explore the park at your own pace without the hassle of bus schedules,
particularly during the busy Shibazakura season.
However, if you prefer public
transportation, here's a guide: From Asahikawa Station, make your way to the
Asahikawa Eki Mae bus stop and board the Sapporo/Asahikawa – Mombetsu bus,
operated by JR Hokkaido Bus Company. Alight at the Asahimachi [Takinouecho] bus
stop. From there, it’s about a 12-minute walk to the park.
Travel time: 2 hours and 33 minutes
Fare: 3,000 yen
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