Akeno Sunflower Field
Millions of sunflowers bloom in vast fields, offering breathtaking views with majestic mountains as a backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak sunflower bloom season
Akeno Sunflower Field
Best Time
Peak sunflower bloom season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Millions of sunflowers bloom in vast fields, offering breathtaking views with majestic mountains as a backdrop.
"Step into a golden sea of 400,000 sunflowers at the Akeno Sunflower Festival!"
🚗 Parking & Entry Fees
Parking can cost around 500 yen. Entry fee is 1,000 yen (cash only) during the festival, often including parking.
☀️ Stay Hydrated & Protected
It gets hot! Bring water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen to stay comfortable under the summer sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sea of Sunflowers
Akeno Sunflower Field
Millions of sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains.
Cosmos Flower Accents
Circumference of sunflower fields
Vibrant cosmos flowers add a splash of color around the edges of the sunflower fields.
Local Produce and Souvenirs
On-site shops and farmer's market
Discover local delights, from fresh produce like beets to unique souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Bloom
+1Beat the Crowds and Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Entry Fees
Parking can cost around 500 yen. Entry fee is 1,000 yen (cash only) during the festival, often including parking. +1
☀️ Stay Hydrated & Protected
It gets hot! Bring water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen to stay comfortable under the summer sun.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
The late afternoon light creates a magical glow over the sunflower fields.
🍦 Try Sunflower Ice Cream
Don't miss the unique sunflower-flavored ice cream, a sweet and slightly savory treat!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Entry Fees
Parking can cost around 500 yen. Entry fee is 1,000 yen (cash only) during the festival, often including parking. +1
☀️ Stay Hydrated & Protected
It gets hot! Bring water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen to stay comfortable under the summer sun.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
The late afternoon light creates a magical glow over the sunflower fields.
🍦 Try Sunflower Ice Cream
Don't miss the unique sunflower-flavored ice cream, a sweet and slightly savory treat!
🗺️ Check Bloom Status
Fields bloom in batches; check the official site for the best viewing times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of the Akeno Sunflower Field, describing it as a 'golden sea' with stunning mountain backdrops. The festival atmosphere, unique food options like sunflower ice cream, and the strategic staggered blooming of flowers are highly praised. However, some visitors note significant traffic congestion and crowds, especially on weekends.
"A beautiful place to go during the sunflower season. I think Van Gogh might have his other inspiration for his paintings.
During the festival they also have a lot of food and beverage.
One that stood out was the sunflower ice cream. That was a sweet yet a bit savory flavour."
Ferdinand Wuysang
"A weekend visit by car to the famous sunflower field. There was a congestion on road leading to the car park, and it took us around 30 minutes to cover the last few hundred meters. The fields have multiple divisions and they are grown with periodic gap so that one or two lots are always in full bloom in the season it’s open.
Lots of food stalls are setup for enjoying the day out."
Naresh Deora
"It seems that there are 2 sunflower fields along the road that's close to each other, wherein they don't bloom altogether but blooms in batches as to continue the festival for a month. Great strategy! There is also blueberry picking that is very affordable and fun. These fields are close to the Heidi no Mura (Heidi's Village) which is also a must-to-see. Visit the local farmer's market nearby wherein you can buy Beets and other farm produce. Food and drinks flood the parking space so don't worry getting starved. Just keep cool from the scorching sun. Car park costs 500yen."
joy longakit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, you can take a train to Hokuto City. From there, it's about a 15-minute bus or taxi ride to the Akeno Sunflower Field.
Driving is an option, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion, especially on weekends leading to the parking areas.
Buses and taxis are available from Hokuto City stations to reach the sunflower fields.
Yes, public transport is available, with buses and taxis connecting Hokuto City to the Akeno Sunflower Field.
While there isn't a direct train station at the field, you can take a train to Hokuto City and then transfer to a bus or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
During the festival, the entry fee is typically 1,000 yen per person, which often includes parking. It's usually cash only.
The festival usually runs from late July to late August each year.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the entry fee is generally considered reasonable for the experience.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site upon arrival, especially during the festival period.
The fields are generally open during daylight hours, especially during the festival. Specific hours can vary, so checking the official website is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon, or 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting for photography, making the sunflowers glow.
The vast fields themselves are the main attraction. Look for spots with clear views of the mountains in the background for iconic shots.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations and any specific rules posted at the venue before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the fields, while a telephoto lens can help isolate individual sunflowers or distant mountain views.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find numerous food stalls offering a variety of local snacks, drinks, and festival foods. +1
A popular and unique item is the sunflower ice cream, which has a sweet yet slightly savory flavor.
Yes, there are shops selling local produce, including beets, and other souvenirs.
While the festival area has many food stalls, there might be local restaurants in Hokuto City if you're looking for a sit-down meal.
While there are many food stalls, bringing your own snacks and water is always a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a long time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The festival atmosphere, with its numerous food stalls, provides plenty of kid-friendly options, and the unique sunflower ice cream is sure to be a hit. 🚗 Day-Trippers from Tokyo
The journey typically involves a train ride to Hokuto City, followed by a short bus or taxi transfer. +1 While it's feasible, be mindful of travel times and aim for an early start to maximize your time at the fields and avoid the worst of the crowds. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic and beautiful light. +1 Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the immense scale and telephoto lenses for detailed shots of individual sunflowers. Don't forget to capture the contrasting cosmos flowers along the field edges. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Akeno Sunflower Festival Experience
+1 The sheer scale of the fields, often described as a 'golden sea,' is a major draw, offering an immersive experience surrounded by nature's beauty. +1Beyond the sunflowers, the festival grounds are bustling with activity. Numerous food stalls offer a variety of local delicacies and festival treats, with the unique sunflower ice cream being a must-try.
+1For those planning a visit, understanding the logistics is key. While driving offers flexibility, weekend traffic can be significant, leading to delays.
+1 The entry fee during the festival is typically 1,000 yen, which often includes parking, and it's usually a cash-only transaction. Capturing the Perfect Sunflower Shot
+1 To truly capture the scale, wide-angle lenses are highly recommended, allowing you to encompass the entire field and the majestic mountain ranges in the background. +1 The golden hour, particularly in the late afternoon, casts a warm, ethereal glow on the sunflowers, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography. +1Consider the composition of your shots. Look for leading lines formed by the rows of sunflowers, or frame your photos with the distant mountains as a backdrop.
+1 If you want to focus on the intricate details of the flowers, a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating individual blooms or capturing textures. Many visitors also enjoy incorporating the cosmos flowers that often line the edges of the fields, adding a contrasting splash of color to their images. While personal photography is generally encouraged, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted guidelines.
Beyond the Sunflowers: Local Flavors and Activities
For those looking to bring a piece of Yamanashi home, the festival also features shops selling local produce and souvenirs.
The Heidi no Mura (Heidi's Village) is also located nearby, providing another attraction for families and those interested in a different kind of themed experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit