Hinode Park Revisited 2023 - Hokkaido

Hinode Park (日の出公園) is a vast public park known for its seasonal lavender flowers and illumination festival. It is located at 27-go Higashi 1-sen Kita in the town of Kamifurano in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Hinode Park Revisited 2023

Hinode Park Details

Hinode Park, in the town of Kamifurano, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends breathtaking scenery with a rich history rooted in agriculture. Established in 1967 as the Hinodeyama Ski Resort, this vibrant recreational and cultural space has evolved into one of Hokkaido’s premier attractions, renowned for its expansive lavender fields, panoramic vistas, and family-friendly facilities.

Hinode Park - Kamifurano Town, Hokkaido Prefecture

From Ski Slopes to Lavender Gardens

The park's journey began in the late 1960s when the Kamifurano Promotion Public Corporation acquired the 250-meter-high Hinodeyama hill. Initially developed as a ski resort in 1970, the area soon adopted a new identity. By 1977, around 2,000 lavender plants were introduced, transforming the park into a fragrant oasis. By 1980, the first lavender garden spanned an impressive 15,000 square meters, setting the stage for the park’s future as a hub of lavender cultivation.

Hinode Ski Area (in summer)

Hinode Ski Area

Route map of Kamifurano's eight scenic spots and five major attractions

Kamifurano's colored manhole cover

Kamifurano's Pokémon manhole cover

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hinode Park expanded with the addition of a campsite (1984), ski lift (1985), observation deck (1987), and auto camping site (1996). The park's infrastructure continued to grow, culminating in the opening of a central house in 1999 and new cottages in 2000. By 2001, Hinode Park had firmly established itself as a destination for recreation and relaxation amidst its iconic lavender fields.

Challenges and Revitalization

Despite its success, the park faced challenges. In 2008, a temporary parking lot was found to violate the Farmland Law, sparking efforts to restore the area’s agricultural roots. While plans for additional parking were proposed in 2009, they were ultimately abandoned. However, the park emerged stronger, with a full revitalization of the lavender garden completed by 2012, ensuring its beauty for years to come.

Tokachi Mountain Range as seen from Hinode Park

Tokachi Mountain Range as seen from Hinode Park

The Birthplace of Lavender Cultivation

Kamifurano holds a special place in Japan's lavender history. Lavender farming began here as a commercial agricultural endeavor in 1948, earning Kamifurano the title “Birthplace of Lavender.” A monument in Hinode Park proudly commemorates this legacy. Interestingly, the first recorded lavender cultivation in Hokkaido occurred in 1940 at Minaminosawa Farm in Sapporo, marked by a separate monument near Minamisawa Shrine.

Lavender Season at Hinode Park

Hinode Park Observatory

A Cultural and Scenic Landmark

Hinode Park has also served as a cultural touchstone, with its lavender fields featured in the 2009 film 60-Year-Old Love Letter (Dear My Love). The park’s serene beauty and cultural significance make it a popular venue for year-round events, from summer lavender festivals to seasonal celebrations.

Hinode Park was one of the filming locations of the 2009 film 60-Year-Old Love Letter (Dear My Love)

Visitors can enjoy the park’s many attractions, including the expansive lavender gardens, outdoor activities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whether strolling through fields of purple blooms or participating in local events, Hinode Park offers an unforgettable experience for all.

With its rich history, scenic landscapes, and vibrant community events, Hinode Park is a must-visit destination that beautifully showcases Kamifurano’s natural and cultural heritage.

Team Nicerio revisits Hinode Park

Last July 23, 2023, my siblings, daughter, and I visited Hinode Park as part of Sibling Road Trip #2. This marked my 629th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. The visit was particularly special because we arrived during the peak of the lavender bloom—a stark contrast to our previous visit in late winter when the park was blanketed in snow, making it difficult to fully appreciate its renowned lavender fields.

Despite the warm, sunny weather, the vibrant lavender fields were a stunning sight, making the trip well worth it. Next time, I look forward to experiencing the park during the Lavender Festa, when the fields are illuminated at night, adding an enchanting touch to its beauty.

Hinode Park Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Hinode Park. Parking is also FREE, but it is limited, so if you’re planning to attend the lavender festival, make sure to come early.

Hinode Park Operating Hours

Hinode Park is open to visitors around the clock, but some areas of the park and town are not well-lit at night. For safety and the best experience, it's recommended to visit during the daytime, unless you're attending the Kamifurano Flower and Flame Shikisai Festival.

 

Why visit Hinode Park?

With its rich history, stunning lavender fields, and diverse recreational facilities, Hinode Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those interested in the cultural heritage of Kamifurano. Whether you’re looking to relax in the fragrant lavender gardens, explore the area’s historical monuments, or participate in one of the many events hosted at the park, it’s an experience that captures the beauty and spirit of Hokkaido.

Getting to Hinode Park

 

To reach Hinode Park in Kamifurano from Sapporo Station, you can follow these steps:

1. By Train, Taxi, Bus

• Train (JR Furano Line):
  • Take the JR Limited Express (Lilac or Kamui) from Sapporo Station to Takikawa Station.
  • Transfer to the JR Furano Line bound for Furano, and get off at Kamifurano Station.
  • Total travel time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Cost: Around ¥4,000 (one-way, regular fare).
• Taxi/Bus:
  • From Kamifurano Station, Hinode Park is about 3 km away (5-10 minutes by taxi or a 30-minute walk).
  • Local taxis are available outside the station. A one-way taxi ride costs around ¥1,000–¥1,500.

2. By Bus (Cheaper but Longer Travel Time)

• Take the  Hokkaido Chuo Bus  Furano route from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to  Kamifurano  (Furano route).
• Total travel time: About 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Cost: Approximately ¥2,000–¥3,000 (one-way).

3. By Car (Best for Convenience)

• Rent a car from Sapporo and drive to Hinode Park.
• Route: Take the Hokkaido Expressway and exit at Takikawa IC, then follow the signs to Kamifurano.
• Total travel time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (140 km).

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