Kuju Flower Park
Highland Flower Paradise with Mountain Views
Kuju Flower Park opened in 1990 as a highland agricultural tourism destination designed to showcase the natural beauty of Oita Prefecture's mountainous terrain. Located at 850 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Kuju Mountain Range, the park was developed to revitalize rural tourism and celebrate the region's agricultural heritage. The cooler highland climate creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of flowers that bloom from spring through autumn.
The park's development transformed previously underutilized agricultural land into a major tourist attraction that now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually. Its success inspired similar flower park developments across Japan's mountainous regions. The 22-hectare site was carefully planned to integrate cultivated gardens with the natural mountain landscape, creating harmonious views that change dramatically with the seasons.
Today, Kuju Flower Park is recognized as one of Kyushu's premier flower destinations, featuring over 500 varieties of flowers including tulips, pansies, nemophila, lavender, sunflowers, and cosmos. The park serves as both a tourist attraction and an educational facility promoting horticulture and highland agriculture. Its iconic views of colorful flower fields against mountain backdrops have become emblematic of Oita's natural beauty.
Key Highlights
- 22-hectare flower park at 850m elevation with mountain views
- Over 5 million flowers of 500+ varieties bloom seasonally
- Spring tulips and pansies, summer lavender and sunflowers
- Autumn cosmos fields creating waves of pink and white
- Panoramic views of Kuju Mountain Range from flower fields
- Farm market selling local Oita produce and flower products
Access Information
Location
1938 Kuju, Taketa, Oita 878-0201, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • JR Bungo-Taketa Station - nearest station (taxi required)
- • JR Aso Station - alternative access point (Kumamoto side)
- • Car rental recommended for flexibility
Opening Hours
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (March-November), 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (December-February). Closed irregularly for maintenance.
Admission Fee
Adults ¥1,300, Children (5-15) ¥500. Spring tulip season surcharge ¥200. Parking free.
How to Get There
From Oita Airport
Take airport bus to Oita Station (60 minutes), then JR Limited Express to Bungo-Taketa Station (50 minutes), then taxi for 20 minutes to park. Total cost approximately ¥4,500.
90 minutes
From Beppu Station
Take JR Limited Express Yufuin no Mori to Bungo-Taketa Station (60 minutes), then taxi for 20 minutes. Car rental from Beppu recommended for exploring wider Aso-Kuju region.
80 minutes
From Kumamoto City
Drive via Route 57 and Yamanami Highway for scenic mountain route (100 minutes). Public transport via JR to Aso Station then bus/taxi adds significant time.
100 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Seasonal Flower Calendar
March-May: 10,000 tulips and pansies create spring carpets. June-July: Purple lavender fields peak in early summer. July-August: Bright sunflower fields and colorful petunias. September-October: 1.5 million cosmos flowers bloom in pink and white waves. Check website before visiting to see current blooms.
Photography Paradise
The observation deck near the entrance offers sweeping views of flower fields with Kuju mountains behind - arrive early morning for best light. Rainbow flower beds create colorful geometric patterns ideal for drone photography. Late afternoon golden hour enhances the mountain backdrop dramatically.
Highland Climate Preparation
Temperatures are 5-8°C cooler than coastal Oita due to 850m elevation. Bring layers even in summer - mornings can be chilly. Strong winds common on exposed flower fields, especially autumn. Sun protection essential as highland UV is intense. Fog can roll in suddenly creating atmospheric conditions.
Local Food & Products
Park restaurant serves Bungo beef curry, local vegetables, and seasonal flower-themed desserts. Farm market sells Taketa's famous tomatoes, highland vegetables, and lavender products. Soft-serve ice cream features seasonal flavors like lavender and berry. Flower seedlings and bulbs available for purchase.
Combine with Hiking
Kuju Mountain Range offers excellent hiking trails nearby - Nakadake (1,791m) is most popular with 4-hour round trip. The scenic Yamanami Highway (Route 11) connecting to Aso offers spectacular driving with viewpoints. Chojabaru Visitor Center 10 minutes away provides hiking information and nature exhibits.
Optimal Visit Duration
Allow 90-120 minutes to walk through all flower gardens at relaxed pace. Spring tulip season and autumn cosmos season are most crowded (weekends 10 AM-2 PM). Weekday visits offer peaceful experience. Combine visit with nearby Kuju Dream Suspension Bridge (Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridge at 390m).
Pet-Friendly Garden
Well-behaved dogs on leashes welcome throughout the park - unusual for Japanese attractions. Water stations available for pets. Shaded rest areas provide relief during summer heat. Pet waste bags provided at entrance. Many visitors bring dogs to photograph among flowers.
Best Visiting Seasons
May and October are peak seasons with ideal weather and stunning blooms. Early June for lavender, late September for cosmos. Avoid rainy season (mid-June to July) when fields can be muddy. Winter (December-February) has limited blooms but clear mountain views and smaller crowds. Spring Golden Week very crowded.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Kuju Flower Park?
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours walking through the gardens and taking photos. Add another hour if you plan to have lunch or shop extensively. Half a day allows for a leisurely visit.
What's the best season to visit?
Each season offers different flowers: spring for tulips and poppies, summer for lavender and sunflowers, autumn for cosmos and salvias. May-June and September-October typically have the most variety.
When is lavender season?
Lavender blooms from mid-June to mid-July, with peak viewing typically in late June. The exact timing varies yearly based on weather. Check the park's website for current bloom status.
Is it worth visiting if flowers aren't in peak bloom?
The park maintains year-round displays with greenhouse flowers and seasonal plantings. While peak bloom is spectacular, the mountain views and remaining flowers still make off-peak visits enjoyable.
How crowded does it get?
Weekends during peak flower seasons (especially lavender) can be very crowded. Golden Week and mid-July are busiest. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience.
Is the park accessible for elderly or disabled visitors?
Main paths are paved and relatively flat, with some gentle slopes. Wheelchairs can access most areas. Electric carts are available for rent (¥2,000) for those with mobility issues.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, picnic areas are available and outside food is permitted. Several restaurants and cafes also operate within the park. The soft-serve ice cream with edible flowers is popular.
Are pets allowed?
Small pets in carriers or strollers are allowed. Dogs on leashes are permitted in some areas but not in flower fields. Check current pet policy as it may change seasonally.
What's the weather like?
Located at 850m elevation, it's 3-5°C cooler than Beppu city. Bring layers even in summer. Mountain weather changes quickly - rain gear recommended. Clear days offer views of Mount Kuju.
Can I pick or buy flowers?
Picking flowers in display areas is prohibited. However, some areas offer flower picking experiences for a fee. The gift shop sells seeds, bulbs, and potted plants.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography for personal use is welcome. Commercial shoots require permission. Tripods are allowed but be mindful of other visitors. Drone use is prohibited without special permission.
Are there activities for children?
Yes, there's a small play area and seasonal activities like flower picking. Children enjoy the open spaces and colorful displays. Consider bringing bubbles or balls for picnic areas.
How do I get there without a car?
Limited buses run from Beppu and Yufuin stations, but a car is most convenient. Some hotels offer tour packages. The bus journey takes about 1.5 hours with limited daily services.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking for 2,000 cars is available. During peak seasons, arrive early (before 10 AM) or later (after 2 PM) to avoid parking delays.
What else is nearby?
Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge is 30 minutes by car. Yufuin town is 40 minutes away. Many visitors combine the flower park with Kuju highland drives or onsen visits.
Are there greenhouses to visit?
Yes, greenhouses display tropical and seasonal flowers year-round. They provide good alternatives during rain or when outdoor flowers are limited. Air-conditioned in summer.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) as shade is limited. Layer clothing for temperature changes. Avoid white clothes during pollen-heavy seasons.
Can I see Mount Aso from here?
On clear days, Mount Aso and the Kuju mountain range are visible. The park's elevation provides panoramic views. Morning generally offers the clearest mountain views.
Is it expensive?
Admission is ¥1,300 for adults, reasonable for the experience. Food and souvenirs are moderately priced. The flower soft-serve (¥400) and local honey are popular purchases.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Beppu Hells
A collection of spectacular hot spring viewing areas featuring vivid colors, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers. These 'jigoku' (hells) are too hot for bathing but offer unique geothermal landscapes.
Beppu Onsen Town
Japan's largest hot spring resort with eight distinct onsen districts, colorful 'Hells' (jigoku), sand baths, mud baths, and over 2,000 hot spring sources.
Yufuin Onsen
Picturesque hot spring resort town at the foot of Mount Yufu with art galleries, boutique shops, scenic Lake Kinrinko, and upscale ryokan.