The Dreamy and Enchanting Rural Scenery of the Rapeseed Flower Fields in Takikawa, Hokkaido

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Late May to early June each year is when the yellow rapeseed flowers in Takikawa, Hokkaido, are in full bloom, creating a delightful sea of golden blooms. Paired with green mountains, forests, blue skies, and white clouds, the vast and beautiful scenery is a feast for the eyes. The Takikawa Rapeseed Flower Field Season is a major event in Hokkaido each year before summer officially begins, and is even hailed as Japan’s No. 1 rapeseed flower field, boasting the largest flower sea area in the country.

This year’s (2014) flower season event ran from May 31 to June 8. The Takikawa Rapeseed Flower Field Season is a major highlight for the city of Takikawa, drawing many tourists to the yellow rapeseed fields. Activities include photography enthusiast meetups, food experiences such as rapeseed flower tempura and rapeseed flower pancakes, live music performances in the photo exhibition area, and opportunities to enjoy the flower fields from unique perspectives using various transportation methods like electric vehicles, horseback riding, and paragliding.

Rapeseed flowers are also an important local ingredient for oil production. Visitors might want to take home some natural rapeseed oil, and the premium pork sausages are another local specialty loved by both domestic and international tourists. Takikawa City boasts stunning natural scenery all year round, including a variety of fruits and poppy flower fields. The area also has hot springs where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak.