Every flower in Japan holds a unique significance, and with the changing seasons, one can encounter a variety of blooms across the country. Moss phlox, or ‘shibazakura’, in Japan, is particularly stunning, with numerous spots nationwide to witness these seasonal beauties. To fully appreciate the Japanese Moss phlox, let’s explore the best times and places to view this captivating flower.
Find out all about the different flowers in Japan you can enjoy throughout the year. Click on the links to check out when and where to see Cherry Blossoms, Tulips, Azaleas, Roses, Poppies, Salvia, Hydrangea, Iris, Lavender, Indian Lotus, Sunflowers, Ume and Moss Phlox.
Moss Phlox in Japan
Moss phlox, known for its vibrant pink and white hues, offers a breathtaking sight against the backdrop of Japan’s springtime blue skies. It’s a popular spring flower, second only to the famed cherry blossoms. Across Japan, you can discover spectacular displays of moss phlox, from well-known locations to hidden gems.
The peak bloom for moss phlox in Japan is typically from mid-April to May, coinciding with the Golden Week holidays, making it an ideal time for a scenic drive or outing. The expansive flower carpets created by the moss phlox are incredibly photogenic, so carrying a camera is advisable.
When to See Moss Phlox in Japan
The optimal time to see moss phlox varies by region, but in Japan, this floral spectacle is generally best enjoyed from April to May, aligning perfectly with the season’s sunny days.
Where to see Moss Phlox in Japan
Prepare to be enchanted as we embark on a captivating journey through Japan, unveiling 15 picturesque locales where the delicate allure of moss phlox weaves its magic, transforming the landscape into a vibrant mosaic of colours.
1. Flower & Garden Forest Wind (Iwate Prefecture)
This place was designed by the world-famous garden designer Kazuyuki Ishihara as an annex garden of Hotel Mori no Kaze. The vast site of about 20,000 square metres is divided into an area called Forest Valley, where the green and waterside scenery is impressive, and Forest Hill, where moss phlox and nemophila bloom. You can enjoy the moss phlox in Japan that borders the outer circumference of the Forest Hill area while strolling along the path. When you come in, take your time to enjoy the scenic view from the observatory with the bell of love and happiness.
Best time to see: Mid to late May
2. Jupier Land Hirata (Hirata Village, Fukushima Prefecture)
Jupier Land Hirata is a leisure facility that spreads out at the foot of Mt. Yomogida, a symbol of the village. The shibazakura that covers the slope is a spring tradition that represents the village, and about 250,000 plants bloom on a vast 2.3 hectares site. There’s a special activity where you can go around the park in a cart and enjoy the stalls during the festival. From the observation deck, you can see the moss phlox in Japan and the surrounding mountains at a glance. Check out the heart-shaped art spots made with different colours in this area.
Best time to see: Mid-April to early May
3. Hitsujiyama Park Shibazakura no Oka (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture)
With a planting area of 17,600 square metres, the moss phlox in Hitsujiyama Park is one of the largest in the Kanto region. With more than 400,000 stocks of 10 varieties planted against the backdrop of Mt. Buko, the symbol of Chichibu, features a wavy design. Enjoy various expressions of this flower from various angles.
Best time to see: Mid-April to early May
4. Fuji Motosuko Resort (Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Fuji Motosuko Resort displays a carpet of colourful turf of flowers in pink, red, purple and white. The area is huge, at 1.5 hectares at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The Peter Rabbit English Garden, where you can enjoy the world of Peter Rabbit, is also open in the venue.
Best time to see: During Golden Week
5. Maruyama Park (Oi Town, Fukui Prefecture)
In Maruyama Park, about 14,000 moss phlox are planted in the park along the sea. From spring to GW, you can enjoy bright flower carpets in white, pink, and light purple.
Best time to see: Mid-April to early May
6. Inukawa Moss Phlox Village (Ono City, Fukui Prefecture)
Inukawa Moss Phlox Village spans about 20 hectares of paddy fields, surrounded by a vibrant carpet of pink moss phlox in Japan. The expanse of shibazakura evokes a sense of openness that invites one to recline and enjoy the spectacle! The breathtaking vista painted across the canvas of the paddy fields adds to the allure of the scenery. Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll around the area.
Around: Late April to mid-May
7. Tenryu Okumikawa National Monument Chausan Kogen (Toyone Village, Aichi Prefecture)
Renowned for its “Flower Corridor in the Sky,” this location offers a magnificent view of flowers from the mountaintop at an altitude of 1358m. Additionally, the Chausu Terrace atop the mountain provides a serene spot to unwind while gazing at the Southern Alps. The unique experience of viewing the moss phlox while riding the sightseeing lift distinguishes this spot. During the Shibazakura Festival, the phlox are illuminated, enhancing the enchantment of the setting.
Best time to see: Mid-May to early June
8. Shima City Tourist Farm (Mie Prefecture, Shima City)
Adjacent to the roadside station Ise-Shima along National Highway 167, Shima City Tourist Farm boasts seven varieties of moss phlox planted on its gentle slope, offering a delightful array of colours such as red, blue, and white. The park opens when the moss phlox bloom, with opening hours subject to change based on weather conditions. Visitors are advised to contact the farm in advance for the latest information.
Best time to see: Mid to late April
9. Hanago OKADA (Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Hanago OKADA emerges as a flower park open for a limited time from spring to early summer. With approximately 18 types of flowers adorning its vast expanse, visitors can revel in the diverse hues and expressions that vary from one area to another. Scattered benches throughout the park provide opportunities to relax and indulge in a leisurely picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Best time to see: Mid-April to early May
10. Odori Shibazakura (Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Experience the splendour of spring in the Odori area, known for its picturesque rice terraces. Here, more than 100,000 moss phlox grace the slopes, infusing the landscape with a glossy pink hue that captivates the eye. The viewpoint offers a stunning vista, allowing visitors to admire the inverted reflection of the moss phlox in the rice fields, while the observation plaza affords panoramic views of the surroundings below.
Best time to see: Mid-late April
11. Shida Flower Garden (Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture)
Shida Flower Garden is a delightful sanctuary meticulously crafted by its owners over five years, embodying the ethos of being a tranquil haven in the region. Spanning a generous 3,000-square-metre expanse, the garden bursts into a profusion of spring blooms, including cherry blossoms in late March, followed by the enchanting display of moss phlox and azaleas in mid-April.
Best time to see: Mid-April
12. Sky Observatory (Saiki City, Oita Prefecture)
Perched along the Bungo Kuroshio Line, the Sky Observatory in Oita offers panoramic vistas along the picturesque coastline. In spring, the road leading from the parking lot to the eastern store is adorned with moss phlox, resembling a delicate pink veil against the backdrop of Hyuga Nada’s azure sea and sky.
Best time to see: Late March to late April
13. Naoshiba Adachi Sakuraen (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture)
The moss phlox garden at Naoshiba Adachi Sakuraen stands as a testament to the late Nao Adachi’s meticulous care and dedication. Maintained with reverence by his wife and daughter, the garden spans 30 acres and boasts an impressive array of 53 moss phlox varieties in full bloom.
Best time to see: Mid-April to early May
14. Tokyo German Village
In the flower and green theme park Tokyo German Village, a mesmerising tapestry of 250,000 moss phlox blankets a vast slope, creating a breathtaking sight during the Shibazakura Festival in early April. Despite being a hidden gem, it attracts numerous visitors eager to bask in its natural splendour.
Best time to see: Late-April to early-May
15. Tomita Sato Niwa Koen
At Tomita Sato Niwa Koen’s Hana to Midori no Sato, an idyllic spot offering hands-on farming experiences, 120,000 moss phlox burst into bloom in spring. While access by train may be slightly inconvenient, the park offers free parking and admission, allowing visitors to revel in the stunning vista of moss phlox.
Best time to see: Early-April to early-May
16. Misato Shibazakura Park
Shibazakura no Oka presents a stunning spectacle with approximately 260,000 red, white, and pink moss phlox arranged in bands, forming intricate patterns such as swells and swirls. Unique to this location is the heart-shaped moss phlox, adding to its charm and allure.
Best time to see: Early-April to early-May
What are your impressions of the diverse floral offerings found throughout Japan? Renowned for its rich botanical diversity, Japan boasts a spectacular array of flowers, ranging from the iconic cherry blossoms to the vibrant hues of moss phlox and shibazakura. With each season presenting its own unique blooms, visitors are treated to a visual feast year-round. In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the landscape in delicate shades of pink and white, drawing millions of admirers from around the world.
As the seasons transition into summer, vibrant hydrangeas and cheerful sunflowers blanket gardens and parks, adding bursts of colour to the scenery. Autumn welcomes the fiery hues of maple leaves and the delicate blooms of chrysanthemums, while winter showcases the serene beauty of camellias and plum blossoms against the backdrop of snow-covered landscapes. Whether you explore the bustling streets of Tokyo or the tranquil countryside of Kyoto, Japan offers an unparalleled botanical experience, promising enchanting floral encounters at every turn.
Find out all about the different flowers in Japan you can enjoy throughout the year here. Click on the links to check out when and where to see Cherry Blossoms, Tulips, Azaleas, Roses, Poppies, Salvia, Hydrangea, Iris, Lavender, Indian Lotus, Sunflowers, Ume, and Moss phlox.
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