Update-date: Jul 31 2024
When it comes to flowers that stand out against the blue sky, nothing beats the vibrant yellow of sunflowers! Here is a roundup of some of the most stunning sunflower fields in Kyushu, complete with nearby attractions and restaurants to help you make the most of your trip.
Yanagawa Sunflower Garden (Fukuoka)
Yanagawa Sunflower Garden in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture boasts around 500,000 sunflowers blossoming across 5 hectares of reclaimed land that faces the Ariake Sea. The peak bloom period is typically from early to late September. From the observation deck, these large sunflowers appear to cover the ground like a yellow carpet!
At nightfall, the garden lights up, offering a fantastical ambiance different from the daytime's vibrant display. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line.
At nightfall, the garden lights up, offering a fantastical ambiance different from the daytime's vibrant display. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line.
Yanagawa City has preserved its canal system for around 420 years, and today it remains a charming water town with small boats traversing the canals. The hour-long river cruise, covering about 4 kilometers, is a favorite among tourists. There are several boarding points within a 5 to 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, and no reservation is necessary.
Enjoy the luxury of viewing green weeping willows, seasonal flowers, and beautiful white buildings from the water! In winter, you can also experience the unique "kotatsu boat," where a heater under a blanket keeps your feet warm while sitting.
After the boat ride, a visit to the garden of the Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana, the villa of the former Yanagawa Domain lord, is highly recommended.
Enjoy the luxury of viewing green weeping willows, seasonal flowers, and beautiful white buildings from the water! In winter, you can also experience the unique "kotatsu boat," where a heater under a blanket keeps your feet warm while sitting.
After the boat ride, a visit to the garden of the Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana, the villa of the former Yanagawa Domain lord, is highly recommended.
Sunflower Field at Nagasakibana
One of the largest and most magnificent sunflower fields in Kyushu can be found at Nagasakibana Sunflower Field in Oita Prefecture. It’s about an hour’s drive from Oita Airport to Nagasakibana.
Around 1.6 million sunflowers bloom on the terraced fields stretching across the cape, reaching their peak from mid-August to early September. During this period, a massive maze made of sunflowers also appears, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the view as you navigate through it.
Sunflowers bloom facing east, creating a stunning display as they all face towards you. The staggered planting schedule means the peak bloom period is extended, adding to the appeal. Enjoy the breathtaking sunflower fields with the summer blue sky, white clouds, and glittering sea in the background.
Around 1.6 million sunflowers bloom on the terraced fields stretching across the cape, reaching their peak from mid-August to early September. During this period, a massive maze made of sunflowers also appears, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the view as you navigate through it.
Sunflowers bloom facing east, creating a stunning display as they all face towards you. The staggered planting schedule means the peak bloom period is extended, adding to the appeal. Enjoy the breathtaking sunflower fields with the summer blue sky, white clouds, and glittering sea in the background.
If you're visiting Nagasakibana, consider staying in Yufuin. Yufuin is a popular area where you can enjoy the beauty of nature through the seasons while strolling through the hot spring town. Mount Yufu, standing at 1,583 meters, is characterized by its majestic twin peaks, which can also be seen from the restaurants introduced below.
When staying in Yufuin, don’t miss Lake Kinrin, a popular spot for international visitors to Oita. Located at the foot of Mount Yufu, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lakeside while watching fish and waterfowl swim.
When staying in Yufuin, don’t miss Lake Kinrin, a popular spot for international visitors to Oita. Located at the foot of Mount Yufu, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lakeside while watching fish and waterfowl swim.
Recommended Restaurants Near the Sunflower Fields
Check out these tasty restaurants in Fukuoka and Oita that are easy to visit while exploring the two sunflower fields featured above.
Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka KITTE Hakata Branch (Hataka / Steak)
Akaushi is a type of branded beef from Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu. It is known for its lean meat, moderate fat, rich flavor, and tenderness, and is considered a healthier meat option.
At this restaurant, you can enjoy steak, hamburg steak, and gyudon (rice bowl topped with thinly-sliced beef cooked in soy sauce and sugar) made with Akaushi beef raised on the restaurant’s own vast farm grasslands.
The most popular dish is the [Akaushi Beef Bowl, The Specialty of Aso] (2,290 JPY). It features sliced juicy medium-rare Akaushi steak laid over rice, promising a burst of flavor each bite.
At this restaurant, you can enjoy steak, hamburg steak, and gyudon (rice bowl topped with thinly-sliced beef cooked in soy sauce and sugar) made with Akaushi beef raised on the restaurant’s own vast farm grasslands.
The most popular dish is the [Akaushi Beef Bowl, The Specialty of Aso] (2,290 JPY). It features sliced juicy medium-rare Akaushi steak laid over rice, promising a burst of flavor each bite.
The interior has a bright and inviting atmosphere, and there are counter seats, tables, and semi-private rooms. It is situated on the 10th floor of KITTE Hakata, a shopping complex directly connected to Hakata Station, making it ideal as a shopping break or a convenient stop when traveling to other parts of Kyushu via Hakata Station. The information counter on the 1st floor provides assistance in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a smooth visit even if you don't speak Japanese.
Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka KITTE Hakata Branch
Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 4:00 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
Address: 10F, KITTE Hakata, 9-1, Hakata Station Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
Address: 10F, KITTE Hakata, 9-1, Hakata Station Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation
Yufuin Sansyorou (Yufuin / Japanese Cuisine)
The focus at [Yufuin Sansyorou] is on fresh vegetables harvested locally in Yufuin each morning, which are then cooked to bring out their maximum flavor. The chef’s talent in cutting, boiling, steaming, and seasoning each vegetable has been widely praised, even earning a spot in a global guidebook in 2018.
One highlight is the [Awasebako (Umi, Yama)] (2,200 JPY each) assorted box for lunch. Inside are over 20 beautifully arranged vegetable dishes that mirror the seasons of Yufuin. Local delicacies such as the tender marbled Bungo beef and the flavorful soft Kanmuri chicken are also exceptional. This menu embodies the majestic nature of Yufuin and the efforts of its farmers.
One highlight is the [Awasebako (Umi, Yama)] (2,200 JPY each) assorted box for lunch. Inside are over 20 beautifully arranged vegetable dishes that mirror the seasons of Yufuin. Local delicacies such as the tender marbled Bungo beef and the flavorful soft Kanmuri chicken are also exceptional. This menu embodies the majestic nature of Yufuin and the efforts of its farmers.
Inside, the restaurant's interior features a network of robust exposed beams and a refined, serene ambiance. The owner’s casual and friendly demeanor ensures a relaxed dining experience.
Sitting by the window offers a clear view of Mt. Yufu, letting you immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty to enjoy a moment of peace.
[Yufuin Sansyorou] is also an easy 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station, making it perfect for a lunch break while sightseeing or for dinner if you’re staying overnight.
Sitting by the window offers a clear view of Mt. Yufu, letting you immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty to enjoy a moment of peace.
[Yufuin Sansyorou] is also an easy 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station, making it perfect for a lunch break while sightseeing or for dinner if you’re staying overnight.
Yufuin Sansyorou
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from [Yufuin Station]
Address: 2850-51, Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu city, Oita Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from [Yufuin Station]
Address: 2850-51, Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu city, Oita Map
More Details Reservation
Gazing at beautiful yellow sunflowers will brighten your mood and fill you with energy! While Kyushu is full of fascinating attractions and delicious food, it’s definitely worth adding at least one sunflower field to your itinerary!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
