Experience Spring in Hokkaido: Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Opens for the 2026 Green Season!
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor
As the snow finally begins to melt away, spring is arriving in Hokkaido at last. Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, located in southern Sapporo, officially opens for its 2026 green season on April 19.
As Hokkaido’s only national government park, this sprawling nature destination features forests, seasonal flower fields, waterfalls, and outdoor activities for all ages. Whether you're traveling with kids, hoping to snap scenic spring photos, or simply looking to enjoy the outdoors, it's one of the region’s most rewarding seasonal escapes.
(Main image taken May 23, 2025 / Source: PRTimes / Takino Suzuran Hillside Park)
Spring Highlights: Melting Snow and Early Wildflowers

Early in the season, patches of lingering snow still remain throughout the park, creating that uniquely Hokkaido contrast between winter and spring. Visitors can spot early blooms like Ezo gentians, Adonis flowers, and white skunk cabbage flowers spreading across the wetlands like sails in the breeze.

Fed by abundant snowmelt, the park’s famous Ashiribetsu Falls enters its most dramatic season of the year in spring. The rushing waterfall becomes an unmistakable sign that warmer days have finally arrived in Hokkaido.

From May 9–17, the park’s western Takino Forest area hosts the Shirane Aoi & Spring Wildflower Festival. Along peaceful forest trails, around 1,500 pale purple glacier lilies and native wildflowers bloom quietly among the fresh greenery, creating a calm and distinctly Hokkaido spring atmosphere.
The Park’s Signature Event: Tulips and Lily of the Valley

By mid-May, the park’s biggest spring attraction arrives: the Tulip & Lily of the Valley Festival. One of the largest flower displays near Sapporo, the park showcases around 230,000 tulips across 120 different varieties.

From the top of the hills, sweeping fields of vibrant tulips stretch across the landscape in brilliant layers of color. Together with the delicate lily of the valley flowers that inspired the park’s name, the scenery creates one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque late-spring views. The 2026 festival is scheduled for May 16–31.
Summer Fun: Outdoor Adventures and Family Activities

Once summer arrives, the park transforms into one of Sapporo’s best outdoor playgrounds. During June through August, extended opening hours give visitors extra time to explore the massive grounds.

In the central area, kids can climb and bounce across the park’s iconic orange “Earth Net” play structure or race down long hillside slides. Seasonal water play areas also become popular spots to cool off during summer.
Nature lovers can explore Takino Forest in search of insects and wildlife, while visitors looking for a slower-paced experience can rent riverside barbecue spaces and enjoy a classic Hokkaido-style outdoor BBQ surrounded by flowing streams and fresh mountain air.
2026 Green Season Information

- Operating Period:
- April 19 – November 10, 2026 (Open daily during the season)
- Hours:
- 9 AM – 5 PM (Extended to 6 PM from June 1 – August 31)
- Admission:
- Adults (15+) 450 yen / Seniors (65+) 210 yen / Children under 15: Free
- Parking:
- Standard vehicles 500 yen / Motorcycles 200 yen
- Free Admission Days:
- May 4, May 31, September 20, and September 27 (September 21 for visitors aged 65+ only)
Also Worth Visiting: Takino Snow World in Winter

After the green season ends in November and the park briefly closes for maintenance, the area transforms into Takino Snow World. Flower fields become snowy hillsides, including one of Japan’s longest 200-meter snow tubing courses.
Winter visitors can also enjoy skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe walks, and other snowy outdoor activities, making the park a popular destination year-round.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activities
Recommended places for you
-
LakeAkan
Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Abashiri
-
Farm Tomita
Other Nature
Furano / Biei / Sounkyo
-
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office)
Other Historic Sites
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Appealing
Otaru Canal
Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Otaru
-
Appealing
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Furano / Biei / Sounkyo
-
Hokkaido Rail Travel Guide: Why an Overnight Stay in Noboribetsu or Lake Toya Onsen Makes Sense — Plus Smart Booking Tips
by: Robotan
-
Asahikawa Shopping Guide: Where to Find the Best Souvenirs, Local Food, and Duty-Free Deals
by: ShiroKu inc.
-
The Ultimate Otaru Walking Guide: Shops, Souvenirs, and a Perfect Route Along Sakaimachi Street
by: ShiroKu inc.
-
Enjoy A Private Morning Like a Movie: Exclusive Sunrise Experience at Furano's Garden of Wind
-
The Best Way to Visit Jozankei and Lake Toya from Sapporo: A Private Car Day Trip for Families and Seniors
by: Robotan
-
The Ultimate Hakodate Shopping Guide: Morning Market, Kanemori Warehouses, and Must-Buy Souvenirs
by: ShiroKu inc.
-
Hokkaido Scenery: Japan Has an Incredible 200km 'Flower Road' Where Spring Bursts Into a Floor of Pink
by: Guest Contributor
-
Japan's Fascinating Moerenuma Park: Isamu Noguchi's Stunning Living Sculpture
-
Complete Guide to Buying Japanese Medicine in Japan: Phrases and Vocabulary You Need to Know
-
Enjoy Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities in Northern Japan! Top things to do in Onuma Quasi-National Park
-
Secrets to Shopping in Japan: Guide to Annual Sales in Japan & Where to Shop
by: Miyu Shimada
-
10 Important Japanese Phrases to Know Before You Enter a Japanese Convenience Store
by: Teni Wada
- #best sushi hokkaido
- #things to do hokkaido
- #best ramen sapporo
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sweets otaru
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best nature furano
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best japanese soft drinks













