Guida
Himawari no Oka Park is a vast multi-purpose park covering approximately 80,000 square meters, located in Japanya-cho, Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture. The park's greatest charm lies in its ever-changing seasonal scenery. Visitors can enjoy vibrant sunflowers in summer, rapeseed and canola flowers in spring, and elegant cosmos in autumn, allowing one to truly feel the passage of the seasons.
The symbol of the park is the 'Sunflower Tower,' a massive granite structure standing 20 meters tall and weighing approximately 260 tons. Designed to promote Ono City, the tower features sunflower motifs and carvings related to local history at its peak. At night, the tower is illuminated, offering a completely different and magical atmosphere compared to the daytime.
The park was originally developed as a seasonal flower garden. Following a large-scale renovation in 2002, it has evolved into a beloved community hub featuring large-scale play facilities, Western-style gardens, and integrated dining and commercial facilities.
The design of the 'Sunflower Tower' reflects local heritage. The center of the tower is adorned not only with the crest of Ono City but also with motifs representing the local Jodo-ji Temple (a National Treasure), as well as traditional local industries like 'Soroban' (abacus) and metalwork, serving as a testament to the region's rich history and culture.
Visitors can experience diverse landscapes throughout the year. The main summer event features a vast field of sunflowers, primarily varieties like 'Sunrich Lemon' and 'Taiyo,' creating a stunning sea of yellow. In autumn, the landscape shifts to a more tranquil scene with blooming cosmos.
For families, the 'Wanpaku Hiroba' (Playground Area) with its large climbing structures and the 'Playable Fountain' are major highlights. Additionally, the presence of dining and commercial facilities allows visitors to relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The best time to visit depends on the flowers you wish to see. For the spectacular sunflower display, the peak is typically from late June to early July. For the cosmos, mid-October to November is ideal. Spring is also beautiful with rapeseed flowers.
Daytime visits are perfect for bright, vivid photography and strolls. If you wish to see the 'Sunflower Tower' illuminated, we recommend visiting during the evening hours to enjoy the spectacular light show.
Walking through the park while enjoying the natural scenery is a popular activity, especially for photography enthusiasts capturing the seasonal blooms. Families with children will enjoy the large playground equipment and the rhythmic water displays from the 'Playable Fountain,' which occurs every 10 minutes.
With various commercial facilities on-site, you can also browse local specialties or enjoy a meal while spending a relaxing time in nature.
The area around the park is rich in history. Nearby, you can visit the National Treasure Jodo-ji Temple to deepen your understanding of local culture. Additionally, the surrounding Ono area offers attractions like the 'Ono Alps' and 'Hakuyunoya Onsen Yupika,' making it easy to plan a full day of sightseeing.
As the park is quite large, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. When visiting in summer to see the sunflowers, please bring a hat and plenty of water to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Payments at facilities and shops within the park can be made via cash or credit cards. However, some smaller stalls may only accept cash, so it is advisable to carry some Japanese Yen with you.
While basic signage is available, specialized English support or professional English-speaking staff may be limited. Most facilities are easy to use even with limited English.
No prior reservation is required to enter the park. It is open for free access.
Casual photography is welcome. However, for commercial photography or large-scale professional shoots, please consult the management office in advance.
The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible parking and multi-purpose toilets. Please note that some areas may have slight slopes.