This summer, Tokyo’s Kiyose City welcomes back the highly anticipated 13th Kiyose Sunflower Festival. From July 22nd to July 30th, 2023, visitors will be treated to a vibrant spectacle of approximately 100,000 sunflowers sprawling across a massive field, 24,000 square meters to be exact, making it the largest of its kind within Tokyo.
A Farming Tradition Turned Festival
The origin of the Kiyose Sunflower Festival lies in a simple farming practice. Local farmers began planting sunflowers in their wheat fields as a natural fertilizer during the interim period before the next sowing. Their generous decision to open these fields to the public eventually gave birth to the festival we know today.
Throughout the festival, visitors can indulge in a variety of local produce, including vegetables freshly harvested from neighboring farmlands. Do not miss out on Kiyose’s specialty, a shochu made from local carrots.
A wide range of products such as jam are also available for purchase. And for those who want to bring a bit of the festival home, sunflowers are sold for cutting.
Advance Bookings
Given the ongoing situation with the pandemic, precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of visitors. An advance booking is necessary for admission this year. The organizing committee is also appealing for donations using the “hometown tax” system to ensure the festival’s continuity.
The festival takes place under the blazing summer sun and shade is limited. It’s highly recommended to come prepared with sun protection, such as a hat and sun umbrella, and stay hydrated.
A Quick Note On The Japan Rail Pass Price Hike
The price of the wonderful Japan Rail Pass is going up a massive 62% in October but there’s still time to lock in the old rates if you’re quick. Klook still offers the old prices so if you buy before September 30th you can travel with the old prices until December 28th, 2023.
Event Information
- Name: 13th Kiyose Sunflower Festival
- Dates: July 22nd (Saturday) to July 30th (Sunday), 2023
- Time: 9:00 to 16:00 (Last entry at 15:30)
- Location: 3 Chome district, Shimokiyoto, Kiyose city, Tokyo [Map]
- Admission: Free (Advanced reservation is required)
Getting There
Visitors can reach the festival by taking a 35-40 minute walk from Kiyose Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Alternatively, there are buses from both Kiyose Station (North Exit, Bus Stop No.2, Green Town Kiyoto-bound) and Shiki Station on the Tobu Tojo Line (South Exit, Bus Stop No.2, Kiyose Station North Exit-bound). Parking is not available at the venue; therefore, public transportation is advised.
Important Reminders
As the sunflower field is private property, entry is forbidden outside festival hours. Pets are not allowed in the sunflower fields. With limited shade in the field, please make sure to take precautions against the heat. Finally, as the venue is a field, be prepared that the ground might be dirty, so dress accordingly.
The Sun Up
Embrace the golden yellow fields and the warm summer sun at the Kiyose Sunflower Festival, an event that brings the rural charm of Japan’s farmlands right to the heart of Tokyo.
