Sakura Furusato Square in Tokyo’s neighbouring Chiba prefecture is famous year round for its colourful blooms – think tulips in spring and cosmos in autumn. This summer from July 8 to 23, the expansive grounds will transform into a sea of sunflowers centred around a Dutch windmill.
The Windmill Sunflower Garden boasts around 15,000 blooms, with the field of bright yellow flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. There are multiple types of sunflower here, the highlight being Vincent’s Choice. This particular variety was named after the late Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, whose sunflower paintings are famous around the world.
There’s more to do at Sakura Furusato Square than just looking at sunflowers, and it’s easy to spend an entire day here.
There’s a sightseeing cruise across the adjacent Lake Inbanuma, from where you’ll have a panoramic view of the park and sunflower field. The 40-minute boat ride runs eight times a day on Saturday, Sunday and the national holiday on Monday July 17, departing at 9.30am, 10am, 10.50am, 11.20am, 12.40pm, 1.10pm, 2pm and 2.30pm. A boat ride ticket costs ¥1,000 (children ¥500).
To cool down from the midday heat, seek refuge at the souvenir shop Saranka, where you can enjoy kakigori shaved ice dessert as well as soft-serve ice cream made with local milk from Sakura city. You can also shop for mementos and local vegetables.
Sakura Furusato Square is around a 30-minute walk from Keisei-Usui Station. It takes about one hour to reach Keisei-Usui Station from Tokyo Station via the JR Sobu line to Funabashi and then the Keisei Main line.
The Windmill Sunflower Garden is open daily between July 8 and 23 from 9am to 4pm. Entry is free. For more information, check the event website.
This article was originally published on June 22 2022 and updated on June 19 2023.
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