Yokohama Town Canola Flower Fields

The vivid yellow of canola flowers, enough to warm the hearts of those who see them, signals the arrival of spring. Yokohama Town in Aomori Prefecture sits in the lower part of the Shimokita Peninsula facing Mutsu Bay, and is known as one of Japan’s leading canola-producing areas.

The flowers usually bloom from late April to early May, with the best viewing period from early to mid-May. Every year, the town’s biggest event, the Canola Flower Festival, is held on a Saturday and Sunday in mid-May, when the flowers are at their best. Over the two days, various events are held, including a marathon and stage shows, but the most popular attraction is the giant Canola Flower Maze set in the flower fields. With the mountains of Shimokita and wind turbines in the background, you can capture beautifully composed photos of the canola fields. The giant maze is open daily not only during the festival period, but also from after the bloom declaration until around the time the flowers finish falling.

Because the canola flowers are crops grown by local farmers, please do not enter any fields other than the giant maze without permission. At the event venue and shops around town, you can also enjoy a wide range of canola-themed treats, including donuts and soft serve ice cream.