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.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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