Where To See Huge Fields Of Cosmos In Tokyo

If you think that vast fields of blooming wildflowers are something you won’t find in Tokyo…think again! From mid-September to mid-October every year, the lowly cosmos is elevated to extravaganza status at two different gardens, blossoming in snapworthy profusion for about four weeks.

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SHOWA KINEN PARK – Tachikawa

The first ones to bloom (mid-September to mid-October) in the beds surrounding the Great Lawn, are the bright yellow ones…

Although some years they plant this field in orange ones instead…

and change up the cosmos field on the other side of the big tree…

to unusual color hybrids

But it’s the hills next to Komorebi Village that host the grand pooh-bah of cosmos extravaganzas. This one blooms in all shades of purple and pink…

from mid-September to mid-October…

This vista is spectacular from afar, but even close-up, the serious number of variations will amaze and delight.

And as the purple ones begin to fade (early- to mid-October), the pale yellow and white fields take center stage, back by the Great Lawn.

This truly enormous park is about an hour from Shinjuku station, but is totally worth the trip during cosmos season. There’s also a very nice Japanese garden, and if you have kids, warning: these are the best playgrounds in Tokyo, and it’s hard to get them to leave!

Open: Every day
Hours: 9:30 – 17:00, Sat & Sun, 9:30 – 18:00
Admission: Adults ¥410, Children (6-14) ¥80

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HAMA-RIKYU GARDEN

This park right in central Tokyo has a smaller field of cosmos, but it’s still lovely, and has more of a color mix.

From mid- to late-September, the orange and yellow ones are in full bloom…

And the more variegated varieties fill in a little later

They plant their cosmos in waves, so some bloom in mid-September and others in early October, and it’s also an excellent place to see butterflies

This large garden also has a big pond you can walk around, with scenic bridges and a restored teahouse.

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And I know Mt. Fuji isn’t in Tokyo, but if you happen to be heading that way, there are more cosmos to be ogled!

YAMANAKAKO HANA NO MIYAKO FLOWER PARK

With Mt. Fuji in the background…

this flower park is surrounded by enormous fields of cosmos…

the bloom in magnificent abundance in late-Sep to early-Oct

Added bonus: these cosmos are actually outside the paying part of the flower park! They are just growing along the road, in the fields surrounding it.

Open: Never closed
Admission: Free

MAP

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And if you know someone who’s planning a Japan trip, here are all the places I take my friends when they come to town…

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had