Rape Blossoms at Awaji Hanasajiki, Awaji Island: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Rape Blossoms in Full Bloom, 'Awaji Hanasajiki,' Awaji Island Hyogo (2022/3)" (『淡路島「あわじ花さじき」満開の菜の花 Rape blossoms in full bloom, Awaji Hanasajiki, Awaji Island Hyogo　(2022.3)』), was uploaded by "chuchikomo."

Located on Awaji Island (淡路島, Awaji-shima), Hyogo Prefectural Park's Awaji Hanasajiki is a famed flower spot, befitting of the island of flowers. Hyogo Prefecture has been running the park since April, 1998. You can see the rape blossom meadow in full bloom in the video. Rape blossoms herald the arrival of spring in Japan, and the sight of them swaying in the wind makes it almost reminiscent of a friendly face saying hello. Take a visit with your special someone or family, and take some memorable photos together. It's a great spot for taking Instagram photos as well!

Attractions of Awaji Hanasajiki, a Flower Park on Awaji Island

Photo：Rape blossom fields at Awaji Hanasajiki, Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture

Awaji Hanasajiki is known as a great place to see flowers, and is located at the highest point of Awaji Island's hilly north, at an elevation of between 235 and 298 meters. The plateau, which slopes gently toward the sea covers around 37 acres, or around the same area as four Koshien Stadiums (Japan's most famous baseball ground).

Gaze out over Osaka Bay (大阪湾, osaka-wan) and the Akashi Strait (明石海峡, akashi kaikyo) with beautiful views of flower meadows. Awaji Hanasajiki has been christened as the ultimate place to enjoy gorgeous carpets of flowers. Experience relaxation and healing from the comfort of your own home with these beautiful blue skies and fields of flowers.

The fact that there's no entry fee is another plus. There's even a parking lot with space for 200 cars, at the price of 200 yen for a full-sized vehicle. We recommend the vast observation desk; a wooden deck from which you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. What's more, you can see how far along the flowers have bloomed on the official website via a camera set up in Awaji Hanasajiki's café/restaurant "Galleri." Be sure to check it out before you visit!
[Video] 2:18 - A Carpet of Yellow Rape Blossoms

March: The Best Time to See Rape Blossoms at Awaji Hanasajiki

Photo：Rape blossom fields at Awaji Hanasajiki, Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture

The rape blossoms at Awaji Hanasajiki. a famous flower spot in Hyogo, Japan, can be enjoyed for a long period from winter to spring, between mid-January and late April. The reason behind this is a staggered planting regimen, which results in flowers appearing in turn, from early bloomers to late. When in season, the hilly flower meadows cover the area in a sea of yellow below the blue skies on a clear day.

In 2023, the "Early Spring Rape Blossom Festival" (早春菜の花まつり, soshun nanohana matsuri) is being held from mid-January to early March, and boasts around 200,000 early-blooming rape blossoms. Furthermore, between mid-March and late April, the "Rape Blossom Festival" (菜の花まつり, nanohana matsuri) takes place, playing host to around 600,000 blooming rape blossoms.

Spring at Awaji Hanasajiki – May is the Month for Poppies!

Photo：Poppy fields at Awaji Hanasajiki, Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture

May at Awaji Hanasajiki sees approximately 50,000 Iceland poppies in bloom. Colored in red, yellow, and orange, the beautiful, colorful flowers create a wonderful scene.

The view of Awaji Island's blue skies, blue sea and verdant mountains visible from the vast poppy meadows will make you feel as though you're dreaming. Be sure not to miss the poppies, which can be enjoyed between late April and mid-May!

Flowers to Enjoy in Each Season at Awaji Hanasajiki

Photo：Cosmos at Awaji Hanasajiki, Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture

Here, we'll list up what flowers bloom in each season. Take notes if you're planning a trip!

【Spring】
Between March and mid-April, visitors can enjoy the vast flower meadows filled with toadflax, Chinese violet cress, and rape blossoms. The chorus of bright yellows and purples heralds the coming of spring, and is sure to put you in a cheery mood. Additionally, from late April the Iceland poppies come into bloom, giving spring one extra layer of beauty.
[Video] 2:27 - Cows Relaxing Behind the Rape Blossoms

【Summer】
From July to mid-August, sunflowers and spider flowers beautify the summer scenery. We hear that the spider flower meadows are a rare sight in western Japan. The spider flower looks almost like butterflies dancing in the wind, and are a big hit with visitors. Also, from August until the end of fall, mealy sage and scarlet sage bloom in profusion in a lustrous mix of blues and reds.

【Fall】
Between October and early November, the huge cosmos meadows create a melancholic mood. The cosmos come in pale and deep shades of pink, as well as yellow. You can get your fill off the fanciful sage flower meadows too, blooming in blue and red.

【Winter】
From mid-November to February, around 14,000 purple, red, and pink stocks bloom, announcing the arrival of winter. Winter's lucid air means that on a clear day, you can enjoy excellent views of the Hanshin area, too.

Summary of Awaji Hanasajiki

Awaji Hanasajiki, one of Awaji Island's best known free tourist attractions, is made up of flower meadows spreading across a vast plateau. If you're looking for other things to do on Awaji Island, you can check out Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (兵庫県立淡路島公園, hyogo kenritsu awaji-shima koen), featuring an observatory allowing for a boundless view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park (淡路島国営明石海峡公園, awaji-shima kokuei akashi kayo koen), with its tulip fields which rank among the best in Japan's Kansai region. We recommend visiting after 4 p.m. on holidays and during busy periods. Stay the night nearby with your family and get your fill of Awaji Island. We think you'll be able to make some great memories as a family and get some wonderful photos of the sky, sea, and flower meadows.

【Official Website】Hyogo Prefectural Park, Awaji Hanasajiki

【TripAdvisor】Awaji Hanasajiki