Shirakimine Plateau

Nestled in the heart of Isahaya, central Nagasaki Prefecture, Shirakimine Plateau offers a beautiful setting to experience seasonal flowers throughout the year. Whether you’re there to enjoy blooming fields or embark on a hike, this expansive area is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.

While the peak of Mount Gokahara reaches 1,057 meters, Shirakimine Plateau is more accessible at 330 meters above sea level. The plateau spans about 10,000 square meters and boasts a variety of attractions, making it ideal for a day trip. You’ll find playgrounds, open green spaces, forests and vibrant flower fields to explore.

Seasonal Blooms

Photo by: PIXTA/ Yoshi-da Shirakimine Plateau is home to more than 200,000 cosmos flowers.

Visit Shirakimine Plateau in spring to see the mountainside come alive with yellow as rapeseed flowers bloom. Over 100,000 rapeseed flowers blanket the plateau from March to April. Cherry trees also bloom, their delicate pink petals creating a stunning contrast against the vibrant yellow flowers. This combination, along with the clear blue skies, draws thousands of visitors each year.

In the fall, the landscape transforms as the mountainside’s foliage turns fiery red. While spring is marked by sakura and rapeseed flowers, autumn brings an explosion of fall leaves and over 200,000 cosmos flowers. The cosmos fields are a sea of purple, red, white, and pink, featuring unique varieties like Red Versailles, with its vibrant red petals and yellow center, and the Seashell cosmos, which comes in a range of colors.

Cosmos Space Observation Tower

Although getting up close and personal is a great way to enjoy the plateau’s seasonal blooms, you shouldn’t miss out on climbing to the top of the Cosmos Space Observation Tower. On the third floor, visitors can walk out onto an exterior section that overlooks the surrounding mountainside. With a 270-degree view, you’ll be able to see colorful flowers set against the far-reaching mountainous landscape. If you’re a fan of outer space, head up to the fourth floor of the observatory and take advantage of one of several telescopes. Look to the skies during the day and night with the help of trained experts. Special events are held during the year, so be sure to check the calendar to see what’s happening.