Ready for a burst of summer sunshine? Good news, the Windmill Sunflower Garden is back from July 8th to 23rd, 2023.
This free-admission event is blooming in Sakura City, Chiba, at the perfect time to witness the sunflower spectacle at Sakura Furu-Sato Square.
The Vincent Van Gogh Tribute
Every mid-July, Furu-Sato Square becomes a vibrant canvas, showcasing about 15,000 sunflowers at their prime. These sunflowers aren’t just any regular blooms – they’re named “Vincent”, a tribute to the sunflower enthusiast, the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh.
So, you can expect to be enchanted by the beauty that once inspired a legend.
A Landscape Framed by Windmills
With the Dutch-style windmill “Liefde” as a backdrop, the panoramic sunflower fields by Lake Inbanuma are a sight to behold. Think vast stretches of bright yellows swaying to the gentle summer breeze – isn’t that the perfect setting for your dreamy summer getaway?
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.
Festival Extras: Boats and Boutiques
As if the sunflower galore wasn’t enough, the Windmill Sunflower Garden Festival also brings you boat tours of Inbanuma and sunflower-picking activities.
Add to it the local vegetable and specialty stores – you’ve got the full package. Remember, the sunflowers change their display from dawn till dusk, so be prepared for a transforming spectacle throughout the day.
Event Details You Need to Know
Name: Windmill Sunflower Garden Date: July 8, 2023 (Saturday) – July 23, 2023 (Sunday) Time: All day. Note: The stores operate from 9:00 – 17:00 Location: Sakura Furu-Sato Square [Map] Address: 2714 Usuita, Sakura City, Chiba Admission: Free Rain or Shine: The event will take place regardless of weather conditions
Sneak Peek into Upcoming Festivities
For those of you who can’t get enough of Sakura City, there’s more coming your way. The “Sakura Fireworks Festa 2023” is set to light up the night skies by Lake Inbanuma on August 5th. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing display of 18,000 fireworks.
How to get there from Tokyo?
Step 1: Board the Sobu Line (Rapid) Train
From Tokyo Station, the first leg of your journey begins with a jaunt on the JR Sobu Line (Rapid). These trains are typically painted yellow or orange, so they’re not hard to spot. Plus, their color is quite befitting of the sunflower-themed adventure that awaits you.
Step 2: Arrive at Sakura Station
Stay onboard until you reach Sakura Station. This ride will take around 50 minutes and it’s a direct service, so you won’t need to worry about transfers. The peaceful views of the suburbs will also start getting you in the mood for your rural escapade.
Step 3: Taxi or Bus to Sakura Furu-Sato Square
From Sakura Station, you can opt for a taxi or bus to complete your journey to Sakura Furu-Sato Square, where the Windmill Sunflower Garden is located. A taxi should cost approximately 1000 yen, while a local bus ride would be cheaper.
The overall journey is fairly straightforward, and the festival’s location makes it a great opportunity to experience the calmer, more scenic side of the Chiba region. Just remember to take a good camera – those sunflowers are photographic gold.
