Azumino Spring Flower Sea: A Must-Visit! Tulips, Rapeseed Flowers, and Nemophila Bloom Together Until May 17th

When thinking of flower viewing in Japan during spring, besides cherry blossoms, Azumino in Nagano Prefecture is also a travel destination worth considering. The Horigane/Hotaka area of the National Government Park Alps Azumino Park (国営アルプスあづみの公園), located at the foot of the Northern Alps, is currently holding "SPRING FESTA 2026 ~Tulip and Rapeseed Flower Festival~" which runs until May 17, 2026.

Within the park, you can enjoy vast fields of tulips, spectacular seas of canola flowers, and the popular blue flowers, nemophila, all at once. Combined with the view of the Northern Alps, which are still covered in lingering snow, it presents a spring landscape that can only be experienced in Azumino. If you are planning a self-guided trip to Japan in the spring, this is a great place to arrange a half-day to full-day excursion.

130 species and 260,000 tulips usher in their prime viewing period

This year, the tulip fields in the park are impressively large, with 130 varieties and approximately 260,000 bulbs planted, an increase of 13 varieties from last year. In addition to classic color ranges, you can also see rare varieties like "Pichipichi-Peach" and "Honoo no Koi," which add even more richness to the colors of the flower fields.

The official statement indicates that the tulip blooming period this year is about 4 days earlier than last year. It has now entered its prime viewing period, and the beautiful scenery is expected to last until early May. Visitors around Golden Week will still have the opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful blooms.

6 Hectares of Rapeseed Flowers + Blue Carpet of Nemophila in Full Bloom Simultaneously

In addition to tulips, the Satoyama Cultural Zone also boasts a 6-hectare sea of rapeseed flowers with approximately 5 million blossoms. The vast golden flower fields create a stark contrast with the distant snow-capped mountains, forming one of the park's signature spring landscapes.

Photo areas featuring benches and bus stop scenery are also set up at the venue, allowing travelers to take memorable photos full of seasonal atmosphere.

This year, Nemophila were also newly planted in Hotaka, with 32,000 blue flowers blooming in a flowerbed of approximately 2,000 square meters. The blue sky, blue flowers, and mountain scenery complement each other, creating another highly popular photo spot.

Golden Week features a rich lineup of events, and it's also recommended for family trips.

During Japan's Golden Week, in addition to enjoying the flowers, the park has also arranged a variety of activities suitable for family travelers and those with children.

Activities

May 2nd - 6th: Azumino Canoe Experience, Handmade Market

May 2: Bubble Show Performance

May 3, 5, 6: Interactive Zoo

When traveling with children, you can not only enjoy the sea of flowers but also arrange experiential activities to make the trip more fulfilling.

Free Admission Day and Ticket Price Information

Travelers looking to save money on their trip can take note of free admission days:

May 4, 2026, May 10

General admission

Adult (15 years and over): 450 yen

65 and over: 210 yen

Free for middle school students and below.

Considering the size and landscape of a Japanese national park, the entrance fee is quite affordable, making it a great option for independent travelers to include in their itinerary.

Transportation and Park Information

National Alps Azumino Park (Hotaka-Hotaka Area)

Address: 33-4 Horikane Karasugawa, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture (It is recommended to reconfirm the latest information before departure)

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed days: May 7, May 11

Official Website:https://www.azumino-koen.jp/horigane_hotaka/index.php

Recommended Itinerary for Taiwanese Travelers

If departing from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Nagano, and then transfer to a train or rent a car to get to Azumino. You can also arrange to visit Nagano's popular attractions together, such as Matsumoto Castle, Hakuba, and Kamikochi.

Azumino is famous for its clear spring water, rural scenery, and mountain landscapes, with a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for Taiwanese travelers who enjoy nature-focused trips. If you've already visited Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, consider a deeper travel route through the Chubu region.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a less crowded yet stunning flower viewing spot in Japan for the spring of 2026, Azumino's flower festival is worth adding to your list. Tulips, rapeseed flowers, and nemophilas bloom simultaneously, creating a layered scene with a snowy mountain backdrop. The event only lasts until May 17th, so if you're planning a trip to Japan soon, consider including this sea of spring flowers in your itinerary.