Japan has four seasons, with distinct differences depending on the season. Even in the same place, the flowers that can be seen in different seasons vary, greatly affecting the landscape.

Among the four seasons, spring is the season in which plants and trees begin to bud. Other flowers are also in full bloom, and wherever you go you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Seasonal flowers and autumn leaves can also be seen in summer and fall. Located north of Tokyo, Tochigi Prefecture offers not only cherry blossoms, but also scenery unique to Tochigi Prefecture.

Wisteria

We would first like to introduce Ashikaga Flower Park, the only place in Japan selected as one of the top 10 dream destinations by CNN (U.S.). Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers all year round, but spring is especially popular, with more than 350 wisteria flowers in bloom. The wisteria trellises cover an area of 1,000 m2 and are said to be the most beautiful wisteria in the world. From mid-April to mid-May, the wisteria blooms in the order of light pink, purple, white, then yellow, so visitors can enjoy a variety of colorful wisteria flowers in the park.

Shiba-zakura

Shiba-zakura has the name “sakura (cherry blossoms)” in them, but they do not grow on trees; instead, they bloom low to the ground with small flowers that resemble cherry blossoms. At Ichikai-machi Shiba-zakura Park, about 200,000 red, pink, purple, and white shiba-zakura are planted, creating a patchwork of colorful shiba-zakura blooming all over the park.

The best time to see the flowers is from early April to early May.

Cherry Blossoms

Located in Nikko City and easily accessible by train, Kinugawa Onsen also offers cherry blossoms in spring. There are two shrines located right next to the Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway. “Onsen Shrine" and "Gokoku Shrine" are located on the same site, and while you can enjoy strolling around during the day, the light-up at night is not to be missed. At the "Kinugawa Onsen Night Cherry Blossom Light-up" held in early to mid-April on the grounds of the two shrines, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with the cherry blossoms lit from below.

Nasu Flower World

At Nasu Flower World, a flower park located in the Nasu Highlands, the gradation of flowers spreads beautifully throughout the park like a geoglyph. Tulips, poppies, and anemones can be seen in May, roses in June, daylilies and salvia in July and August, and cosmos around October. Flowers can be enjoyed all year round, but spring is especially popular.

Mashiko Sunflower Festival

Mashiko Town, known for its Mashiko pottery, is actually famous as one of the largest sunflower fields in Japan. The sunflowers, which are at their best in mid-August, are as strong as the powerful summer sun. Mashiko also has a rare type of sunflower that blooms in red. Summer in Mashiko is very hot and the sun is strong, so be sure to bring drinking water to protect yourself from the heat.
In September, the cosmos fields begin to change, reaching their peak in mid-October. The cosmos field is very large with about 10 million flowers, and the view of the three colors of red, white, and pink flowers covering the site is breathtaking.

Autumn Leaves at Irohazaka

This is a sightseeing road connecting downtown Nikko with Lake Chuzenji and Oku-Nikko. Oku-Nikko, up the Iroha slope, is home to spectacular waterfalls such as Kegon Falls. In autumn, it is known as one of the most beautiful spots in Nikko, where you can enjoy the autumn foliage spreading over the foothills of the mountains from the car. It is a very popular driving course with spectacular views. Traffic can be congested, so it is best to allow plenty of time during the foliage season.