Things to do in Hokuryu-cho：Hokuryu Town Sunflower Village

Hokuryu Town “Sunflower Village”: A field of 2 million sunflowers that colors midsummer

Himawari no Sato in Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, is visited by more than 200,000 people every year, and is a tourist attraction with approximately 2 million sunflowers in full bloom on a vast 23-hectare site (about the size of five Tokyo Domes). From mid-July to late August, the gentle hills are dyed a bright yellow, and the view of the sunflowers against the blue sky is breathtaking. Its beauty stands out, especially on sunny days, and many tourists visit.

 

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Mona🇯🇵Japan travel / 日常に旅を、ときめきを。(@m0na_travel)がシェアした投稿

Spectacular views from the observation deck and the popular triple waterwheel

Himawari no Sato has a two-story observation deck that overlooks the entire sunflower field, and is conveniently located near the parking lot. There is also a mini observation deck that is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the spectacular view in comfort. Also, the triple waterwheel installed in one corner of the field is a popular photo spot. On a hot summer’s day, the rotating water wheel, making splashes of water, will entertain you with the cool sounds and scenery.

 

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はしのみずほ/広告代理店(@ink.inc_hashino)がシェアした投稿

Sunflower Festival and Events in Hokuryu Town

The Sunflower Festival is held every year to coincide with the best time to see sunflowers, and there is a “Sunflower Corner of the World” where approximately 30 types of rare sunflowers grown by Hokuryu Town junior high school students are exhibited, a huge “Sunflower Maze”, bicycle rentals, and sightseeing tours. You can enjoy various activities such as riding the Himawari car. In addition, fireworks displays and special events are held on weekends, and the festival grounds are crowded with people. When you visit the festival, be sure to try the famous sweets such as “Sunflower Soft-serve Ice Cream” made with sunflower seeds.

 

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小宮行(@iku_change19)がシェアした投稿

Bonds between Hokuryu townspeople fostered by Sunflower Village

Sunflower cultivation in Hokuryu Town began in 1979 when an agricultural cooperative employee was moved by the sunflower fields of the former Yugoslavia. Since then, the Sunflower Festival began in 1987 through the efforts of the “One House, One Area” campaign with the cooperation of the Women’s Division of the Agricultural Cooperative, and the activities of local volunteers “Hokuryu Town Ryutopia Association.”

 

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Starry sky narita(@starry_sky_narita)がシェアした投稿

In the past, the town has suffered damage from typhoons and tornadoes, but the townspeople have overcome these difficulties and continued to protect the village of sunflowers. Today, local junior high school students’ “Growing Sunflowers Around the World” and townspeople’s grass-cutting support activities, “Sunflower Village Grass Cutting Crusade,” continue, and the cooperation and passion of the Hokuryu townspeople has been passed down.

 

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sana-sa-nsu(@harutemaki)がシェアした投稿

“The energetic power of life” blooming in the sun

The sunflowers of Hokuryu Town bloom vividly under the midsummer sun and have become a symbol of the passion and bonds of the town’s residents. When you visit Hokkaido, be sure to visit “Himawari no Sato” and experience the sunflowers that color the summer and the passion of the Hokuryu townspeople.

 

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kaori(@pono.chan)がシェアした投稿

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website