Taiyo no Oka Engaru Park in Engaru Town, in Hokkaido's Okhotsk region, is a sweeping 65-hectare park that makes full use of a single hill from its summit down to its foothills, blanketed in vividly colorful flowers. From spring into early summer, Ezo yamazakura cherry blossoms, pale pink shibazakura (moss phlox), and azaleas bloom in the park's International Friendship Forest, drawing many visitors from in and around town.
Now, in autumn, the park's Cosmos Garden in the Niji no Hiroba area is in full bloom, with around 10 million cosmos flowers across roughly 20 varieties covering a 10-hectare site. The best viewing period runs from late August to late September, and the flowers are at their peak right now.
Visitors can also tour the spacious grounds by paid sightseeing cart.
Cosmos Garden Overview
| Opening period | April 29 to late October; Cosmos Festa period: August 29 (Sat) to September 27 (Sun) (closing date may change depending on the flowers' condition) |
| Opening hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Admission (Cosmos Festa period only) | Individual: adults (high school age and up) ¥600, children (elementary/junior high) ¥300. Groups of 10 or more: adults ¥600, children ¥300 |
| Parking | 300 spaces (free) |
| Address | 〒099-0407 Marudai, Engaru, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido — Taiyo no Oka Engaru Park Niji no Hiroba management building |
| Map code | 404 211 045 |
| Phone | 01584-42-0488 |
The Cosmos Garden's History
Taiyo no Oka Engaru Park's Cosmos Garden opened in 2003 and marks its 24th year this year. While nearby areas mostly feature spring flower fields such as shibazakura and tulips, the park looked for a flower that could carry the season from summer into autumn — a gap in the local area — and selected cosmos from among several candidates, a choice that continues to this day.
On the first Sunday of September, the Taiyo no Oka Cosmos Festa event is held, drawing many visitors from in and around town. Every year, more than 2,000 town residents also take part in volunteer activities such as weeding the Cosmos Garden and collecting seeds, with the hope that visitors can enjoy the beautiful flowers as comfortably as possible.
Around 20 Varieties, 10 Million Cosmos Flowers
Mixed Native Varieties
Mixed native varieties make up most of the Cosmos Garden, blooming in a mix of pink, white, and red. Seeds collected by town volunteers the previous year are sown again the following year.
Yellow Cosmos
From yellow to orange to deep orange, and from early to late bloomers, yellow cosmos keep visitors entertained over a long stretch of the season.
A Few Rare Cosmos Varieties on Display
Sea Shell
Each of its eight petals curls into a tube shape, giving the flower the form of a spiral seashell.
Double Click
Known for its "kawari-zaki" (varied bloom forms), this variety produces dahlia-like, double, and layered blooms, giving it a diverse range of flower forms.
Chocolate Cosmos
Chocolate cosmos give off a chocolate scent. Among its five varieties, one called "Choco Mocha" carries a cocoa aroma — be sure to take a sniff when you visit.
"A Message for Someone Special, in the Cosmos Field"
This is the catchphrase of Taiyo no Oka Engaru Park's Cosmos Garden.
Sincerity, deep love, harmony — these are among the meanings carried by the cosmos flower, gentle feelings meant to be quietly shared with someone.
Why not share your feelings with someone special in the cosmos field?
Niji no Hiroba Management Building
The management building houses a shop selling local souvenirs and local soft-serve ice cream. Tickets for the paid admission period are also sold here, and restrooms are available.
