The Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival is a quintessential summer event in Hokuto City . In Akeno Town, which boasts one of the longest hours of sunshine in Japan, approximately 400,000 sunflowers bloom one after another over a period of about a month. We'll introduce you to the ways to enjoy the Sunflower Festival, including the spectacular views of the sunflower fields, the market, and the photo contest.
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It is located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, on the border with Nagano Prefecture. It is a vast area surrounded by 3,000m-class mountains such as the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Kinpu, and overlooking Mt. Fuji to the south. It is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, about an hour from Mt. Fuji, and about an hour from Matsumoto, and is easily accessible, so many tourists visit throughout the year. It is also known as a "village of famous water," and three places have been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous water sources. This bounty of water is loved as natural water, and the area boasts one of the largest production volumes of mineral water in Japan. Sake is also produced from the pure water, and you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and rich food.
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Table of Contents
- 1. What is the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival?
- 2. Let's go find three unique types of sunflowers.
- 3. Check today's best viewing times.
- 4. After enjoying the sunflowers, head to the "Sunflower Marche," where you can find local gourmet food.
- 5. Submit your favorite photo to the photo contest.
- 6. To a magical sunflower field for one night only.
- 7. Tips for enjoying SunFes comfortably
- 8. Overview of the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival 2026
- 9. Two must-visit spots after the Sunflower Festival
- 10. Summary
1. What is the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival?
Akeno-cho in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture , is one of the areas in Japan that boasts the most sunshine hours. The " Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival " is a representative summer event of Hokuto City, where approximately 400,000 sunflowers bloom. Because the sunflowers bloom at slightly different times, the best time to see them lasts for about a month, making it easy to visit according to your travel plans.
Beyond the sunflower fields, a magnificent landscape unfolds, featuring Mount Fuji , the Minami Alps, and the Mount Yatsugatake—a breathtaking view unique to Hokuto City. Why not spend a special moment enjoying the summer nature while leisurely strolling through scenery that will make you want to point your camera at it?
The venue will host the " Sunflower Marche, " featuring gourmet food and specialty products made with local ingredients. Visitors can experience the unique flavors of Hokuto City, including sunflower-flavored soft serve ice cream that can only be found at SunFes, and discover the charm of the region.
Additionally, the " Hokuto Sunflower Festival Photo Contest 2026 " will be held on Instagram during the event period. Capture an unforgettable scene you encounter in the sunflower field and submit your photo! Winners will receive local Hokuto City products from Hokuto City.
Furthermore, in 2026, we plan to hold a one-night-only sunflower light-up event, the first of its kind. Enjoy the special scenery that can only be seen on this day, as the sunflower fields change their appearance from dusk to night, illuminated by a sky full of stars.
2. Let's go find three unique types of sunflowers.
| Field No. | Types of sunflowers |
| 1,3,6-11 | hybrid |
| 2 | Tohoku Yae / Concert |
| 4 & 5 | Sunfinity |
| 12 | Tohoku |
At the venue, four distinct varieties of sunflowers will be in full bloom. From the impressive "Hybrid" with its large flowers, to the "Sunfinity" which produces many flowers from a single plant, and the gorgeous "Double-flowered" with its many layers of petals, the ability to enjoy the different appearances of each variety is one of the charms of the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival. Take a stroll and find your favorite sunflower while admiring the different scenery of each variety.
To fully enjoy the Sunflower Festival, first check the venue map. The venue is divided into two areas: the main venue (fields No. 1-8) and the rural park venue (fields No. 9-12). The two venues are only about a minute apart by car, making it easy to visit both. The sunflowers bloom at different times, reaching their peak bloom one after another over approximately one month. By visiting both venues at different times, you can enjoy the scenery of each.
Typically, the fields at the main venue reach their peak during the first half of the festival, while those at the rural park venue reach their peak during the second half, allowing visitors to enjoy different scenery depending on the time of year.
3. Check today's best viewing times.
"Which field will be in full bloom today?" Exploring the venue with this question in mind is one of the joys of the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival. The official website and official Instagram account regularly post the latest blooming status, so check them before your trip and plan your journey to coincide with the best time to see the flowers. On the day of your visit, information on the blooming status will also be available in front of the tourist information center at the venue, so you can enjoy the beautiful sunflower fields of the day.
Once you've checked which fields are in full bloom, stop by the tourist information center.
The free-to-borrow sunflower headpieces are a popular item unique to the Sunflower Festival. Take a photo at the designated photo spot with the sunflower field as your backdrop, and you'll feel like you've become a single sunflower yourself. You're sure to capture a special photo that will become a cherished summer memory.
4. After enjoying the sunflowers, head to the "Sunflower Marche," where you can find local gourmet food.
After strolling through the sunflower fields, enjoy the delicious flavors of Hokuto at the "Sunflower Marche." A variety of shops will line the market, offering gourmet food and sweets made with local ingredients, fresh vegetables and fruits, and specialty products. Enjoying meals and sweets is a given, but souvenir hunting is also part of the fun of traveling. Spend a summer moment enjoying the unique flavors and encounters with people that Hokuto has to offer.
If you're curious about what kinds of shops will be there, please check out the official Instagram account for the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival.
5. Submit your favorite photo to the photo contest.
The breathtaking summer scenery created by the blue sky and sunflowers is so beautiful you'll want to capture it in a photograph. If you've taken your favorite shot, why not enter it into the "Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival Photo Contest 2026"? Your unique perspective on summer in Hokuto might reach many people as a new attraction. Starting this year, the main venue's parking lot is available 24 hours a day, so you'll be able to take even more captivating photos, such as sunflowers bathed in the clear light of early morning, landscapes dyed in the colors of twilight, or sunflowers against a sky full of stars. For details on how to enter, please check the application guidelines for the Hokuto Sunflower Festival Photo Contest 2026.
6. To a magical sunflower field for one night only.
This summer, we are planning a one-night-only light-up event, a first of its kind. The sunflower fields, bathed in a soft light that is different from the daytime, and the starry night sky will create a magical summer night. Furthermore, the local summer tradition, the "Akeno Hometown Summer Festival," will be held on the same day, and fireworks are also planned. If all the conditions align, you will be able to enjoy a special summer scene created by the fireworks blooming in the night sky and the illuminated sunflower fields.
Sunflower light-up event date: August 14, 2026 (Friday)
Start time: 7 PM
Venue: Main venue of the Akeno Sunflower Festival , Hokuto City
7. Tips for enjoying SunFes comfortably
🌻 Protect yourself from the sun with a hat or parasol!
Since there is little shade in the sunflower field, it's a good idea to bring a hat or parasol. It will also help prevent heatstroke.
💧 Don't forget to stay hydrated!
You'll sweat without realizing it while strolling around. Remember to hydrate frequently before you get thirsty. Cold drinks are also available for purchase at the "Sunflower Marche" venue.
👟 Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended!
Since the venue is a field, your feet may get covered in dirt and mud. Choosing comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty will allow you to comfortably explore the large venue.
📷 Morning and evening strolls are also recommended. The cooler times of day allow you to enjoy taking photos at your leisure, and the sunflower fields bathed in soft light are particularly charming.
Take proper precautions against the heat and enjoy a unique summer moment in Hokuto amidst the sunflower fields that stand out against the blue sky.
8. Overview of the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival 2026
Event period: July 18th (Sat) - August 16th (Sun), 2026
Venue: Main venue: 5664 Asao, Akeno-cho, Hokuto Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture Prefecture Other: Rural park venue: 13811 Kamite, Akeno-cho , Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture Prefecture Others Event time: 9:00 - 17:00 *Opening hours of the tourist information center and market.
The main venue's parking lot is available 24 hours a day with automated payment.
Admission is free. Sunflower support donation.
Main Venue: Regular cars 1,000 yen, Motorcycles 500 yen, Buses 5,000 yen. Automatic payment, payment at the exit, cash only. Rural Park Venue: Regular cars 500 yen, Motorcycles 500 yen, Buses 5,000 yen. Access: Approximately 15 minutes from the Sutama IC on the Chuo.
🚃 From JR Nirasaki Station, take the Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu Kayagatake Mizugaki Rural Bus (approx. 25 minutes). Get off at the main venue "Akeno Tsumitorien" stop (immediately next to the venue). Get off at the rural park venue "Noson Koen-mae" stop (approx. 5 minutes).
9. Two must-visit spots after the Sunflower Festival
After enjoying the Sunflower Festival, take a break with some of Hokuto's unique food and cafes. Here are two special places that are easily accessible by car from the venue.
Handmade Udon Tora to Kusa
This restaurant, housed in a charming old house renovated by the owner himself, offers handmade udon noodles. The set menu, featuring chewy and smooth homemade udon noodles paired with flavorful local chicken and seasonal vegetable tempura, is incredibly satisfying. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in this warm and inviting space, savoring the bounty of Hokuto .
[Store Information]
Handmade Udon Tora to Kusa Address: 3663 Asao Shinden, Akeno-cho , Hokuto City City , Yamanashi Prefecture Prefecture
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last order 2:30 PM)
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with occasional irregular closures. Please check Instagram for details. Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from the main venue of the Sunflower Festival.
HALENOBON
This cafe is located within Gasbon Metabolism, an art complex in Akeno Town. They offer handmade baked goods made with carefully selected ingredients such as ancient wheat flour and rice flour, as well as spice curry that pairs perfectly with achar (pickle) made with plenty of ingredients from the Yatsugatake Mount Yatsugatake . It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind after enjoying the sunflower fields.
[Store Information]
HALENOBON
Address: 12 Asao Shinden, Akeno-cho, Hokuto Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture (Inside Gasbon Metabolism) Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed Tuesday to Thursday. Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from the main venue of the Sunflower Festival.
10. Summary
Gaze upon sunflower fields bathed in the summer blue sky, savor local cuisine, and capture a memorable photograph. The Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival is packed with sights and experiences that can only be found in summer. Be sure to visit and enjoy a special time this summer.
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