Tonami Tulip Fair

Every spring, Tonami City in Toyama Prefecture transforms into a colorful paradise with the arrival of the Tonami Tulip Fair. This annual event, held from late April to early May, shows an impressive 3 million tulips blooming in around 300 varieties. If you’re searching for a unique travel experience, visiting the Tonami Tulip Fair is a must. Over 100 years ago, Bunzo Mizuno planted ten tulip bulbs in Tonami to sustain winter-bound income. This initiative led to the first Tulip Fair in 1952. The fair has since attracted millions of visitors. It now symbolizes the community’s pride in tulip farming, drawing tourists nationwide.

Tonami Tulip Fair

Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆずみかん A geoglyph made from 210,000 tulips.

The heart of the fair is the beautiful Tonami Tulip Park, featuring the impressive 26-meter-tall Tulip Tower. Climbing to the observation deck offers stunning views of vibrant flower fields below. On the central flowerbed, a geoglyph made from 210,000 tulips of 17 varieties will be visible from multiple spots. Visitors can enjoy views from the Tulip Tower, the Metropolitan Festival Hall’s panorama terrace, and the Tulip Skywalk. As you wander around, you’ll come across incredibly colorful displays like the Colored Garden and the Dutch Flower Bed. Each section highlights different flower varieties through careful design. Flower Valley is a special place for families, designed to inspire wonder, especially in children. There is a 4-meter-high tulip corridor that mimics the snowy valley in Tateyama. White tulips symbolize snow, followed by colorful ones that represent the arrival of spring. You’ll also find the Moss Phlox Hill, where delicate pink flowers create a soft carpet that complements the tulips, enhancing the park’s beauty.

Fair Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/ kazukiatuko The traditional waterwheels showcase local craftsmanship

A stroll along the five-row waterwheel area adds a unique touch to your visit. The traditional waterwheels showcase local craftsmanship and serve as a charming backdrop for your photos. Art lovers can explore the Tonami Tulip Gallery to see exhibits on tulip cultivation, including the Bulb Theater and Tulip Palace. During the fair period, there will be four trips a day on the Tulip Farm, which will take you around each field (about 1 hour), where you’ll learn how these beautiful flowers grow and are tended.

In addition to the tulip displays, local vendors often sell unique souvenirs and delicious foods to try, enhancing your visit. You can find handmade goods that showcase the beauty of Tonami and enjoy tasty treats made with local ingredients. To make the most of your time at the Tonami Tulip Fair, plan your visit during Golden Week, when the festivities are in full swing.