Many people have probably felt inspired to visit a place after seeing a breathtaking photo on social media and thinking, "I want to go there someday!" At FUN! JAPAN, together with spectacular scenery producer Shiho, we introduce Japan’s stunning landscapes as seen through her eyes, along with tips for capturing those moments on camera.
This time, we’re featuring Hokkaido’s Abashiri area, home to Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park. Let’s take a look at the seasonal scenery that Shiho says was worth traveling all the way to Hokkaido to see: a vast pink carpet of moss phlox covering approximately 100,000 square meters of hillside, and the rare “pink torii gate” found here only during a limited period in May.
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This Issue’s Photo: Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Abashiri, Hokkaido
A Dreamlike Floral World Guided by a Pink Torii Gate
Drawn in by the refreshing breeze of May, your view is filled with undulating waves of pink like a vast floral carpet. It all began about 50 years ago, when one young man planted just a handful of moss phlox seedlings. Carefully nurtured, that small hope transformed over the course of eight years into a breathtaking sea of flowers covering the vast hillside.
A rare pink torii gate stands as if guiding visitors toward the sky. Surrounded by the vivid contrast of a clear blue sky and the vibrant moss phlox at your feet, you’ll quietly feel the warmth of a story woven from one person’s passion resonate in your heart.
Shiho Profile
Producer of the “Places to Go Before You Die! The World’s Most Beautiful Views” series. Her books have sold over 630,000 copies, and she has more than one million followers across social media. As a tourism advisor for local governments and companies, she travels around the world sharing the beauty of breathtaking scenery.
Official Instagram: @shiho_zekkei
Another Spring Awaits After Cherry Blossom Season
Visit Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Abashiri, Hokkaido in May
When you think of spring in Japan, you might picture cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) from March to April. But in Hokkaido’s Abashiri, located at 44 degrees north latitude, May is when the vibrant flower season truly begins. While summer is already in the air in Tokyo, another spring arrives in the northern lands.
One symbol of this season is Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park in Ozora Town. Every year from early to late May, about 10 hectares of hillside are blanketed in pink and white moss phlox.
This spectacular scenery is said to have begun after World War II, when one man planted a handful of moss phlox. From 1977, he continued to plant them by hand, and his sincere dedication gradually inspired the local community to join in. With the help of many supporters, the flower fields expanded over about eight years to an overwhelming scale, turning it into one of Japan’s leading tourist attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Shiho shared, “It all started with one elderly man, and now the whole community is involved, with people coming from all over. Including that story, I truly felt firsthand how warm and heartwarming this place is.”
Walk Across the Vast Pink Carpet of Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Shiho says, "There are many places across Japan where you can see moss phlox, but I didn't know there was a place where you could see it on such a large scale." The park is so vast that it takes more than 10 minutes just to walk straight across it from end to end, so Shiho recommends exploring every corner to find your own favorite spot as the best way to enjoy your visit.
One of the most famous photo spots in Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is its rare pink torii gate! Normally, torii gates are painted vermilion, left in natural wood, or made of stone, but here, the torii is painted in a charming pink hue that perfectly matches the surrounding moss phlox. Shiho says, "A pink torii gate in the same color as the moss phlox is so cute and unique. It was totally worth coming all the way to Hokkaido just to see this!" The beautiful contrast against the blue sky will make you want to snap a photo instantly.
💡Tips to Enjoy Your Trip Even More
Because the pink torii gate is such a popular photo spot, it tends to get especially crowded. Shiho even ran to the torii gate as soon as the park opened in the morning to take her photos. If you want to take photos that make it look like you have the place all to yourself, she recommends, "It's best to take photos early in the morning when there are fewer people." It's definitely worth getting up early for!
A Rare Pink Torii Gate, Even in Japan
As you climb the hill, you’ll find Yamatsumi Shrine, which also features a pink torii gate, standing quietly at the summit. The main shrine is located in Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture, with a history dating back to 1051 (Eishō 6), making it a shrine of great significance. In 1913 (Taisho 2), settlers from Fukushima brought the sacred object from the main shrine to Higashimokoto in Hokkaido and enshrined it here as the "Mountain God." This rare sight, seldom seen at other shrines, makes the place feel even more auspicious♪
So Many Ways to Enjoy Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park!
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park has several observation decks where you can enjoy panoramic views of the moss phlox from above. In addition, the park is filled with a variety of facilities. If you want to efficiently tour the vast grounds, the sightseeing cart that runs from the base to the summit is recommended. From the observation deck at the top, you can take in a sweeping panorama of the entire park. There are also go-karts that run on an 820-meter course, a fishing pond where you can catch large yamame trout, and a campsite where you can enjoy day camping—plenty of activities for those who love to stay active!
Other facilities include a free foot bath and a day-use natural hot spring called "Shibazakura no Yu," so there’s plenty for both children and adults to enjoy all day long.
💡Tips to Enjoy Your Trip Even More
We recommend the sakura-flavored soft serve ice cream sold at the food stalls near the entrance. It has a sweet-and-salty flavor, and the ones topped with a flower-shaped meringue are especially photogenic.
Capture a Dreamy Shot Surrounded by Flowers: Pro Tips for Photographing Moss Phlox
Unlike cherry blossoms that bloom on trees, "Shibazakura" (moss phlox) is characterized by its small flowers, about 1.5 cm in size, blooming densely enough to cover the ground. The sight of the slopes covered in bloom in May is often described as a "velvet carpet," and the air is filled with a sweet fragrance.
Shibazakura usually has five petals, but within the park, you might occasionally come across a "lucky shibazakura" with a different number of petals. It is said that the level of luck increases in the order of 5 petals → 6 petals → 4 petals → 7 petals, so be sure to try and find a "lucky shibazakura" during your visit!
💡Tips for Capturing Stunning Photos
① If you want to take a photo that looks like you’re buried in the flower field, the key is to "shoot from as low as possible so your feet don’t appear in the frame." By holding your camera as close to the ground as you can and avoiding the path at your feet, you’ll be able to capture beautiful photos surrounded by shibazakura.
② Shibazakura comes in a variety of colors, including deep pink, white, and reddish hues, so it’s also recommended to get up close and take macro shots, not just wide-angle photos. While shooting, you might even come across a "lucky shibazakura"!
The Allure of Eastern Hokkaido Through the Seasons: What Fascinated Shiho About "Abashiri"?
Shiho has visited Abashiri more than four times. "Not only the shibazakura in May, but also the drift ice in winter, the bright red coral grass at Lake Notoro in autumn—Abashiri always shows a different face no matter when you visit," she says, noting that the clear changes of the seasons are one of Abashiri's greatest charms. Other attractions include the "Omagari Lakeside Park," where fields of sunflowers stretch out from summer to autumn, the colorful flower garden "Hana Tent," and the open-air "Abashiri Phlox Park" overlooking Lake Abashiri. Abashiri is full of diverse and appealing spots.
She also shared, "Tasting the seafood nurtured by the nutrient-rich Sea of Okhotsk is one of the highlights of this trip." Abashiri is famous for local specialties such as crab, scallops, salmon, and sea urchin. In particular, the "King Crab" (Tarabagani) and "Blue King Crab" (Aburagani), both known as the "kings of crab", are caught starting in summer. In particular, "Aburagani" is caught mostly off the coast of Abashiri, making it a rare delicacy unique to the area. Another great attraction is the ability to enjoy a wide variety of fresh, high-quality seafood throughout the year!
Chasing Spring to the Northern Land: Why Hokkaido in Refreshing May Is So Special
"May in Hokkaido is the perfect location to escape the humidity and heat of Honshu and enjoy a cool, refreshing spring," says Shiho. The pleasant and comfortable climate is truly a blessing for travelers.
Additionally, she discovered a unique way to enjoy Hokkaido during this season, saying, “Even when Tokyo already feels lush and summery, in Hokkaido — especially around Kushiro and Abashiri — cherry blossoms may still be blooming, and the mornings and evenings remain cool, letting you feel the lingering traces of spring.”
“In places like Kushiro, cherry blossoms can be in full bloom around Golden Week, so I recommend planning ‘Japan’s latest cherry blossom viewing (hanami)’ together with moss phlox. Even if you missed the spring in other regions, you might still find it lingering in Hokkaido in May,” suggests Shiho.
Access to Hokkaido
For travel to Hokkaido, there are many special passes and tickets available exclusively for international visitors to Japan.
From Tokyo to Hokkaido
By Domestic Flight
- Haneda Airport → Memanbetsu Airport: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
- Haneda Airport → New Chitose Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes
- Narita International Airport → New Chitose Airport: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes
By Shinkansen
- Tokyo Station → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station: Approx. 4 hours by JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen
💡For international visitors, the following passes offer great value.
- JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass: The perfect pass for traveling from Tokyo to Hakodate, and even to the Sapporo and Otaru areas. Valid for 6 consecutive days and available for 40,000 yen for adults.
- JAPAN RAIL PASS: Choose from 7, 14, or 21 days. Unlimited rides on JR lines nationwide, including Shinkansen.
Getting Around Hokkaido
By Domestic Flight
- New Chitose Airport → Memanbetsu Airport: Approx. 45 minutes
By Train
- New Chitose Airport Station → Sapporo Station: Approx. 37 minutes by JR Rapid Airport
- Sapporo Station → Otaru Station: Approx. 35 minutes by JR
- Sapporo Station → Asahikawa Station: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes by JR Limited Express
💡For international visitors, the following train and domestic flight passes are recommended for savings.
- Hokkaido Rail Pass: Unlimited rides on all JR Hokkaido lines (excluding the Hokkaido Shinkansen) for 5, 7, or 10 days. Ideal for traveling across wide areas such as Abashiri and Kushiro.
- JAL Japan Explorer Pass: Special fares for access to over 30 cities within Japan. Includes the benefit of up to two free checked bags (23 kg each), even in economy class.
Breathtaking Views in Abashiri, Hokkaido: Selected by a Scenic View Producer as “Once-in-a-Lifetime Must-See Sights”
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is not only home to beautiful moss phlox, but also carries the story of one man’s passion, which inspired the local community and helped create the vast landscape seen today. Shiho, who visited to see the stunning moss phlox, felt the warmth of the people involved and the park’s history firsthand, saying, “I’m really glad I went.”
Under the refreshing May sky, this heartwarming landscape, shaped by people’s hopes and efforts, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime view worth etching into your memory. Why not experience its beauty for yourself?
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
- Address: 393 Suehiro, Higashimokoto, Ozora Town, Abashiri District, Hokkaido
- Access:
- From Abashiri Station, take a local bus to Higashimokoto (in front of the bus company), then about 10 minutes by taxi
- During the moss phlox blooming season, a free shuttle runs from Higashimokoto (in front of the bus company) to Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
- Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (subject to change during the Shibazakura Festival period, etc.)
- Admission:
- Adults (junior high school and above): 700 yen (600 yen)
- Children (elementary school): 300 yen (250 yen)
- The above are admission fees during the Shibazakura Festival period. Please check the official website for details.
- Website: https://shibazakura.net/
Other Recommended Scenic Spots and Tourist Attractions Across Hokkaido
Within Hokkaido, there are many other breathtaking scenic spots that showcase the region’s beauty throughout the seasons, such as the Otaru Canal (Otaru City), the Furano Lavender Fields (Nakafurano Town, Farm Tomita), and the Mount Hakodate Observatory (Hakodate City). FUN! JAPAN also features many more recommended spots in our articles, so be sure to check them out for more travel inspiration.
🏨Book your stay with JAPANiCAN! 👉Click Here (Hokkaido) / 👉Click Here (Abashiri)
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