Nanko Sunflower Fields stretch across the Nanko area of Sayo Town in Hyogo Prefecture. Known as the “Town of Sunflowers,” this rural region attracts visitors every summer with vast fields of bright yellow blooms. The sight of sunflowers stretching toward the horizon creates a memorable seasonal landscape and offers excellent opportunities for photography.
The sunflower fields are spread across several locations along Hyogo Prefectural Route 53 and the Wakasa-Shimomikawa Route, which runs through Tottori and Hyogo prefectures. Local residents cultivate the sunflowers, and some of the harvested seeds are processed into sunflower oil.
From early July to early August, sunflower fields in six locations across the Nanko area bloom in succession. Because the flowers reach their peak at different times, visitors can enjoy the seasonal scenery across much of the summer. Festivals and other activities are also held during this period, making the area a popular destination for families, couples, and nature lovers.
Although the history of Nanko’s sunflower tourism is relatively recent, the area’s cultivation efforts and summer events have steadily gained recognition.
In 1990, the first Sunflower Festival was held, establishing a seasonal event that would become a local tradition. The following year, in 1991, the landscape was selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ list of Japan’s 100 Beautiful Rural Landscapes.
The Sayo Town Nanko Sunflower Festival is generally held from mid-July to early August around Nanko Sports Park, near the Hayashizaki and Higashitokusa districts. The festival celebrates the area’s sunflowers with attractions and opportunities to experience local culture and products.
Highlights include an international sunflower garden featuring varieties from around the world and a sunflower maze where visitors can wander among the towering flowers. At the local products market, visitors can purchase regional specialties and agricultural produce. Parking is available at Nanko Sports Park, making the festival convenient to visit by car.
On July 22, 2016, the first Sunflower Oil Summit in Sayo was held at the Sunflower Dome in Nanko Sports Park. Co-hosted with Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture and Mannō Town in Kagawa Prefecture, the event featured information sharing and exhibits related to sunflower oil, highlighting the agricultural and commercial potential of this versatile crop.
During the flowering season, visitors can enjoy expansive fields filled with vivid yellow sunflowers, creating a striking contrast with the blue summer sky and surrounding countryside. The festival atmosphere, sunflower maze, and local produce stalls add to the experience. Since the fields bloom in succession, checking the flowering conditions before traveling can help visitors find the best locations to see the flowers at their peak.
By train: From Harima-Tokusa Station on the JR West Kishin Line, the sunflower fields are approximately a 20-minute walk away.
By car: The fields are approximately 10 minutes from Sayo Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway.
Roadside Station Shukuba-machi Hirafuku is a convenient stop for purchasing local specialties and regional products. It is a good place to take a break and discover more of the area’s food and culture while exploring the Nanko sunflower fields.