Hill of Pink at Takinoue Shibazakura Koen Park

24 May 2026

The plan for Day 2 of our Hokkaido road trip is to enjoy the flowers that bloom in late May, particularly in the northern part of the island. From Asahikawa, we planned a 311 km drive that will bring us to Takinoue for the Shibazakura (pink moss phlox), Mombetsu for lunch and sightseeing and then Yubetsu for the tulips before returning to Asahikawa. 

The absolute best time to visit Shibazakura Takinoue Park is from mid-to-late May, when the 10-hectare hillside is in full bloom and blanketed in vibrant, sweet-scented pink moss phlox.

Because of the expected long driving time, we had an early start. In May, the sun rises at about 4 AM so it was not too difficult to wake up early for breakfast. Buffet breakfast was provided by JR Inn Hotel at Grand Farm Buffet, located on the 4th floor of Aeon Mall. Menu includes fresh salad bar, miso soup, pasta, pizza, some sushi, and a dessert station

The food was average only and the only highlight for me was the soup curry despite the very basic ingredients of canned cocktail sausages, baby corns, carrots and okra. The buffet also had a DIY chirashi rice bowl but I stayed clear of sashimi to avoid risk of stomach upsets on a long drive.

Breakfast at Grand Farm Buffet located at Aeon Mall, Asahikawa.

We hit the road at 8 AM sharp and the drive to Takinoue was quite nice once we leave the city area. I chose the route that avoided the toll roads and surprisingly part of E39 expressway was toll-free and quite scenic too.

View of the mountains on E39 on our drive to Takinoue from Asahikawa.

When we arrived at Takinoue Shibazakura Koen Park, there were road marshals directing us to park at a secondary car park. From there, we purchased the entrance ticket (500 JPY/person) and took the shuttle bus to the hillside park.

Alighting from the bus at the large car park next to the park, I noticed that I could actually have ignored the road marshals and drive straight up to the car park (which other cars did!).

First view of the pink moss phlox or shibazakura covering the entire hillside.  

I was glad the weather on this day was warm and sunny, with clear blue sky that contrast with the pink colours that filled our vision. 

Mandatory selfie with the hill of pink.

There are staffs stationed at the park to help with photos if needed.

We took time to explore the gentle hillside filled with a breathtaking landscape of white, pink and purple flowers. This vibrant moss phlox carpet captivates all who visit, marking the arrival of spring in Hokkaido.

There are many paths in which to wander around the hillside and get some photos.

It is hard to imagine that this park was once famous for its cherry blossoms. In 1954, a typhoon destroyed most of the trees. A few years later, the manager of the local park, inspired by moss phlox growing at a nearby temple, brought back a single box of seedlings and planted them at the entrance to the park. The flowers are hardy and could not be killed by insects or typhoons.

Over the decades, dedicated locals and townspeople expanded the planting, transforming the hillside into a stunning 100,000-square-meter vibrant pink floral carpet that is now one of Japan's largest. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the fruits (should be flowers!) of their labour.

As we explored the hillside, we took time to look for a lucky flower. The moss phlox flowers usually have 5 petals but if we are lucky or extremely lucky, we could spot a flower with 4, 6 or 7 petals.

This sign was originally in Japanese. Translated using Google Translate.

Searching for a lucky flower.

She spotted a 6 petal flower!

Taking a rest of one of the benches.There was not much shade on this warm sunny day.

We encountered another “Door to Nowhere” at this park.

This was not as photogenic as the one at Takikawa Nanohara Festival.

Ringing the "Bell of Happiness" (幸せの鐘) located at the very top of the hill.

During the peak bloom, the Takinoue Shibazakura Festival brings even more excitement. There are food stalls, band performance and even an armoured vehicle on display.

Heading down to the festival event area after exploring the whole hillside.

Takinoue Shibazakura Festival at the park that takes place from early May to early June.

Enjoying a flower flavoured pink soft serve ice-cream before leaving.

It was about 11.45 AM when we returned to our car via the shuttle bus. From there, we took a slow drive to the seaside town of Mombetsu.