Famous flower town near Nagoya, Japan’s largest hydrangea season

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Situated a 15-minute drive from Nagoya’s suburban Nagashima Resort, Nabana no Sato (菜花之乡) features Japan’s largest hydrangea garden. Throughout spring, the scenery transitions from cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and tulip seas to May’s rose season, then to early summer’s hydrangea season, complemented by the magical sight of fireflies in the park—painting the most beautiful summer poem.

From late March to April, the tulip season continues until early May, followed by the rose garden’s peak bloom from early May to early June. The vast 9,000-square-meter rose garden bursts with vibrant colors and fragrance. By late May, the hydrangea season begins—the so-called largest 8,000-tsubo hydrangea sea in Japan is both moving and spectacular. With around 8,000 hydrangeas in 50 varieties, including white, blue, purple, and pink, their round blooms are simply adorable. By mid-June, the iris season arrives, blooming alongside the hydrangeas to create one of early summer’s most picturesque scenes.

Nabana no Sato (菜花之乡) hosts a nighttime light show from late October to March of the following year, with romantic illuminated landscapes that captivate visitors. Nearby attractions include Nagashima Onsen, Nagashima Resort, making it a prime holiday destination in Aichi and Mie Prefectures. There’s also Japan’s largest Mitsui Outlet Park, Nagashima Spaland water park, and the Anpanman Museum—an ideal spot to unwind while enjoying nature and amusement facilities.