Takinoue Town: A Fairy Tale Village Full of Flowers, Fragrance, Nature, and Warm Hospitality
Located in the heart of the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido, Takinoue Town is a small community of about 2,200 people. Despite its size, the town offers breathtaking natural beauty and heartwarming experiences that are hard to find in urban areas.
One of Takinoue's most iconic attractions is the shibazakura (moss phlox), which blooms in vibrant pink from early to late May each year. The Shibazakura Takinoue Park began from just one small box of seedlings and, over the past 60 years, has grown into one of Japan's largest moss phlox fields, covering 100,000 square meters. The sight of the hills blanketed in vivid pink flowers is simply breathtaking—an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Takinoue.
Takinoue is also known as the "Town of Fragrance." In addition to the sweet scent of shibazakura, the town is filled with the refreshing aroma of Japanese mint (wahakka), for which it holds the top production share in Japan, and the soothing fragrance of surrounding forests. From June to September, the Herb Garden opens with around 300 varieties of herbs blooming, offering a full sensory experience that engages sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
During the summer and autumn months, visitors can enjoy fly-fishing in the clear Shokotsu River or take a relaxing hike along the walking trails of Kinsen Gorge. In October, the gorge becomes a vivid tapestry of red and yellow leaves, creating a spectacular contrast with the waterfalls. Whether admiring the tranquil reflection of the autumn colors on the water's surface or experiencing the powerful view from the falls, the beauty is unforgettable. A special autumn walking event with guided tours offers a leisurely way to enjoy the seasonal landscape.
Another must-visit is Yoshokuen, a private garden lovingly created by the late gardener Takeichi Takahashi, where seasonal flowers gently welcome each visitor.
Takinoue is also promoting universal tourism so that everyone—including people with visual impairments—can enjoy its natural beauty through scent, sound, and touch. The town is developing experience programs such as fragrance-based tours and guided nature walks with tactile elements. The entire town is dedicated to providing gentle, inclusive tourism experiences through "scent," "flowers," and "sound." Be sure to check out Takinoue's signature wahakka mint products, as well as its local gourmet offerings and specialty goods.
At this year's Tourism EXPO Japan, we are proud to present the essence of Takinoue Town—its flowers, fragrances, nature, and heartfelt hospitality. Come visit our booth for a hands-on fragrance experience and pick up our travel brochures. We invite you to discover the magic of our fairy tale village, Takinoue—a place where your heart will surely be moved.