If you're in the Hokkaido area around May through early June, a visit to the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Festival is a must. An entire hillside is effectively blanketed in these lovely flowers, and you'll find plenty of unique ways to enjoy their beauty.
For instance, there is a go-kart track where you can zip around and appreciate the blooms, and there are even helicopter rides where you can appreciate their color from above. If you hike up the hillside you can get some amazing views as well, but it does involve quite a few stairs. If you'd prefer not to exert yourself, mini buses are available to the top as well.
Getting there
The Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is located around a 30 minute taxi ride from Abashiri Station, served by the Sekihoku Main Line and the Senmō Main Line.
Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Abashiri Station to the Higashimokoto area, and then the park is only around a 10 minute cab ride away.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
