Introducing Akeno Sunflower Field in Yamanashi Prefecture!

This video is titled ““Beautiful Drone footage” Akeno Sunflower Field（【絶景ドローン映像】明野ひまわり畑）”. It is a video of the Sunflower Field of Akeno in Hokuto, Yamanashi, in Japan's Kanto region, presented by “Houdoukyoku.”

You can see the buds from the beginning of the video and from 0:27, you can see them fully bloomed, in all of their big, beautiful, yellow glory.

This popular sightseeing spot “Akeno Sunflower Field” holds Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival every year when the sunflowers are fully bloomed.

When is the best time to see the sunflower field in Akeno, where the movie was shot? What are the highlights?

Photo：Akeno Sunflower Field in Yamanashi prefecture

Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is said to have the longest hours of sunlight in Japan. The best time to see the sunflowers in Akeno, which grow in full sunlight, is usually from late July to late August. The variety of sunflowers is changed from field to field so that visitors can enjoy them for a long time.
Many people visit every year to see the spectacular summer view created by approximately 400,000 sunflowers.

The sunflower field became a hot topic because it was filmed for the movie “Be with You” released in 2004.
A lot of fans still visit the field to this day.

Not only the sunflower fields of Akeno in Yamanashi Prefecture, but in fact there is also a place called Akeno in Ibaraki Prefecture, where an event called the "Akeno Sunflower Festival" will be held. The festival features about 100 double-flowered sunflowers against the backdrop of the famous Mount Tsukuba. When you hear the words "sunflowers in Akeno," that may be what comes to mind for some people.

The Sunflower Festival in Ibaraki Prefecture is the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival! What is the time of year and what are the highlights?

Photo：Ice cream

The Hokuto Akeno Sunflower Festival 2023 was held from July 22 to August 20, 2023. The event was held at two venues: the main venue and the Rural Park venue.

During the event, there were sunflower sundaes, a combination of sunflower soft serve ice cream and shaved ice, crepes, juice, and other café menus, as well as events such as the traditional performing art of sarumawashi. There was also a photo contest, so why not participate by taking a great photo with sunflowers in the background?

Although the "Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival 2024" has not been announced as of April 2024, it is expected to be held around the end of July, when sunflowers are at their best. Please check the official website and Instagram for information on sunflowers and the "Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival 2024".

Some Info on Sunflowers

Photo：Sunflower

Sunflowers belong to the daisy family, and its trademark is its bright yellow flower petals.
Some of the larger sunflowers grow up to 3 meters tall (~10 ft.).
The sunflower seeds can be eaten, and even used for oil.

Its scientific name is "helianthus". Heli meaning "sun", and anthus meaning "flower"
The sunflower's origin is North America and it is called soleil (which means sun) in some foreign countries .

Summary of Sunflower Field in Akeno, Yamanashi Prefecture

Source :YouTube screenshot

As you can see from the video, Akeno Sunflower Festival in Yamanashi is a very popular sightseeing spot with a very impressive, expansive scenery.
A live camera is located around the field as well, so check out the footage collected on sunny days.
There are bus tours when the sunflowers are in full bloom so we definitely recommend participating if you have the chance.

◆Akeno Sunflower Field◆
【Address】5664 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0201
【Access】15minutes drive from Chuo Expressway Nirasaki IC or Sutama IC
【Operating Hours】 8:00 to 17:00
【Parking】Parking lot available
【Telephone No】0551-42-1423
【Entrance fee】Free

【Tripadvisor】Akeno Sunflower Field
Akeno Sunflower Field