Each spring, Shunan City in Yamaguchi Prefecture transforms into a vibrant floral patchwork of pink, purple, and white. Typically running from late March until early May, the Odori Shibazakura Festival invites visitors to witness more than 100,000 moss phlox (shibazakura) plants in bloom. Spread across terraced rice fields and maintained by local residents, the display offers a serene escape into nature and a chance to see rural Japan at its most photogenic.
The flowers cover the sloped farmland in color, creating a natural carpet that attracts photographers, flower lovers, and travelers alike. It's also a social event, as locals showcase their community spirit with food stalls and fun cultural events like mochi pounding and mochi throwing. You can get an idea of what to expect from the YouTube video below:
Admission to the festival is free for children under junior high school age and individuals with disabilities, while adults are encouraged to make a small 300 JPY donation to support ongoing maintenance efforts. The event is especially popular with families and Instagrammers hoping to capture the dreamlike landscapes.
Adding a fun, modern twist to the festival, organizers are hosting a photo contest, inviting visitors to submit their best smartphone snapshots of the flowers and festivities.
Getting there
The festival is located approximately 30 minutes driving time from JR Tokuyama Station, which is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen, the Sanyo local line, and the Gantoku line.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
