Shimane Hana no Sato Flower Park: Visitor Information
Shimane Hana no Sato in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, is a flower park with seasonal blooms, including cherry blossoms, tree peonies, roses, hydrangeas, and cyclamen. Planning which flowers to see and how you want to explore can make your visit more rewarding.
Checking opening information for your visit before you leave lets you take your time enjoying the flowers and taking photos on the day.
Deciding whether your main aim is flower viewing or a walk with photography stops also makes it easier to coordinate plans with your companions.
Check Opening Hours, Closed Days, and Admission Fees Before You Go
Before visiting, check the facility's visitor information for opening days, hours, admission fees, and transportation options.
Shimane Hana no Sato is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from March through November, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from December through February.
The park is open daily from March through November; from December through February, it closes every Tuesday (or the next weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period from December 29 through January 3.
Admission is 250 yen for adults and 130 yen for elementary, junior high, and high school students, while preschool children enter free.
Groups with at least 20 paying visitors can apply for rates of 200 yen for adults and 90 yen for children; visitors with a disability certificate pay 120 yen for adults or 60 yen for children, with free admission for 1 accompanying person.
Annual passes are also available for those who want to return throughout the seasons, costing 1,300 yen for adults and 650 yen for children.
Check current notices rather than relying only on older articles and photos when planning your day.
It is also helpful to check rules that affect how you want to spend your time, such as the use of photography equipment and eating or drinking.
How to Get to Shimane Hana no Sato and Where to Park
Shimane Hana no Sato is in Nishi-Shinmachi 2-chōme, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, about 5 minutes by car from the Izumo IC interchange on the San'in Expressway and about 15 minutes from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine (Izumo-Taisha).
Parking is free, with 160 spaces for standard passenger cars, 5 priority spaces, and 7 bus spaces.
By train, it is about a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Nishi-Izumo Station on the JR San'in Main Line.
By bus, take the Heisei-Onsen Line from JR Izumoshi Station to Hana-no-Sato Toki-Kaikan-mae bus stop, then walk about 1 minute.
If you take the Kōnan Line from JR Izumoshi Station, get off at Nishi-Izumo-Eki bus stop and walk about 15 minutes.
Bus services may be limited, so check the timetable in advance, including your return journey.
Park Rules for Pets, Drones, and Eating and Drinking
Smoking and open flames are prohibited at Shimane Hana no Sato, and pets are not allowed except assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities, including service, hearing, and guide dogs.
Bicycles and similar vehicles, including balance bikes, tricycles, and kick scooters, may not be brought in or used.
Drone flights and drone photography are prohibited throughout the facility, including the parking lots.
Eating and drinking are allowed in the park, but you must take home any trash you bring in.
Driving tent stakes or other pegs into the ground and damaging the lawn are also prohibited, so keep this in mind when relaxing on the lawn plaza.
Your admission ticket allows same-day reentry, but it cannot be reissued, so keep it somewhere safe.
Choose Flowers to See Using Bloom Calendars and Current Conditions
Flowering varies with the weather and other conditions, so the scenery may differ from older photos.
Checking approximate peak seasons and current bloom conditions before leaving helps you narrow down the flowers you want to see.
Rather than planning too narrowly around a particular flower, enjoy the colors and shapes you find on the day as you walk and discover more flowers to appreciate.
Even if you do not know the flowers' names, following your favorite colors or intriguing shapes can help you find your own way to enjoy them.
Shimane Hana no Sato Flower Calendar: What Blooms Each Season
From cherry blossoms in spring to cyclamen in winter, something is at its best throughout the year at Shimane Hana no Sato.
Here are the main seasonal flowers and fall foliage, their approximate peak periods, and the main areas where you can see them.
| Season | Main Flowers and Fall Foliage with Approximate Peak Periods | Main Viewing Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–April) | Daffodils (early–late March), cherry blossoms (mid-March–mid-April), Kirishima-tsutsuji and Kishi-tsutsuji azaleas (early–mid-April), tree peonies (late April) | Hinata-no-Komichi (Sunny Path), Ajisai-no-Komichi (Hydrangea Path), Hana-no-Mizube (Waterside Flower Garden), Botan-en (Tree Peony Garden) |
| Early Summer (May–June) | Herbaceous peonies (early–mid-May), roses (mid-May–mid-June), Japanese irises (early–mid-June), hydrangeas (late April–mid-June in the Glasshouse; mid-June–early July on the Hydrangea Path) | Shakuyaku-en (Herbaceous Peony Garden), Bara-to-Hābu-no-Koniwa (Rose and Herb Garden), Waterside Flower Garden, Garasu-shitsu (Glasshouse), Hydrangea Path |
| Summer (July–August) | Water lilies (mid-June–mid-August), rudbeckia (early July–late August), sunflowers (late July–early August) | Waterside Flower Garden, Sunny Path, Fureai-Hiroba (Community Plaza) |
| Fall (September–November) | Japanese anemones and fall foliage on Dōdan-tsutsuji (enkianthus shrubs) (late September–late October), cosmos (mid–late October), roses (late October–late November) | Sunny Path, Waterside Flower Garden, Community Plaza, Rose and Herb Garden |
| Winter (December–February) | Cyclamen (late November–early February), winter-blooming tulips (mid-January–mid-February), Japanese plum blossoms (early–late February), hellebores (early February–late March) | Glasshouse, Suteppu-Kadan (Step Flower Beds), Waterside Flower Garden, Kurisumasu-Rōzu-no-Komichi (Hellebore Path) |
Peak periods can shift with each year's temperatures and weather, so use these dates as a planning guide.
Roses peak twice a year, from mid-May to mid-June and from late October to late November, making it rewarding to compare their spring and fall displays.
Shimane Hana no Sato Garden Areas and Main Facilities
The park has areas dedicated to different flowers, letting you enjoy seasonal blooms in turn as you follow the walking paths.
Knowing each area's features makes it easier to reach the flowers you want to see, even with limited time.
Explore the Tree Peony Garden, Herbaceous Peony Garden, and Waterside Flower Garden
The Tree Peony Garden brings together tree peonies grown in Yatsuka-chō, an area of Matsue known for producing them, and reaches its peak in late April.
In the Herbaceous Peony Garden, a wide variety of peonies, including single, double, and fragrant varieties, bloom together from early to mid-May.
The Rose and Herb Garden combines the flowers and fragrances of roses and herbs and is especially colorful during the spring and fall rose seasons.
Centered on a pond, the Waterside Flower Garden offers changing seasonal scenery: cherry blossoms and tree peonies in spring, hydrangeas and Japanese irises in early summer, water lilies and lotus flowers in summer, and foliage in fall.
The Hydrangea Path lets you enjoy various hydrangeas while walking through a tunnel of trees during the rainy season, while the Hellebore Path, on a partly shaded slope lined with deciduous trees, blooms in early spring.
Seasonal Displays in the Glasshouse and Moyō-Kadan (Patterned Flower Bed)
The Glasshouse features decorative seasonal displays of flowers from Shimane, with cyclamen generally at their best from late November to early February, hydrangeas from late April to mid-June, and New Guinea impatiens from late June to mid-September.
The Glasshouse offers a sheltered place to enjoy flowers on rainy days or in cold weather.
Exhibitions are also held regularly in the covered walkway connecting the main building and the Glasshouse.
The Patterned Flower Bed uses around 6,000 flowering plants to create a design across 170 square meters, with the design changing 4 times a year.
Seasonal events are also held in the park, with the 20th Shimane Hana no Sato Chrysanthemum Festival (October 31–November 23) and Cyclamen Fair 2026 (November 21–December 27) scheduled for 2026.
Event details vary by year, so check the information for any event you plan to attend.
Take a Break in the Honkan (Main Building) or Shibafu-Hiroba (Lawn Plaza)
The Main Building has a reception desk and rest area where you can relax indoors while looking out over the Lawn Plaza.
The Lawn Plaza is a place to spread out a packed lunch or enjoy a picnic, with a children's play area and playground equipment in the center of the lawn.
The Community Plaza has flower beds designed for universal access and beds where visitors can interact with flowers.
The Neighboring Izumo-shi-Toki-Kōkai-Shisetsu (Izumo City Crested Ibis Viewing Facility)
At the Izumo City Crested Ibis Viewing Facility next to Shimane Hana no Sato, you can see crested ibises from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March through November and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from December through February.
The facility is reached by a connecting passage inside Shimane Hana no Sato; viewing the ibises is free, but admission to Shimane Hana no Sato is required.
The ibis viewing facility closes every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) and from December 29 through January 3, so note that its closed days differ from the flower park's.
Flower Viewing Tips: Notice Colors, Shapes, and Bloom Patterns
Moving between the overall colors and the details of individual flowers lets you enjoy different impressions even in the same spot.
Instead of trying to memorize names right away, notice a feature that interests you and then read the signs to make it easier to understand.
Step Back to Enjoy the Color Combinations in Flower Beds
When looking at flower beds, step back a little to see how the colors work together.
Large beds such as the Patterned Flower Bed, which creates designs with about 6,000 flowering plants, are easier to appreciate as a whole from a distance.
Compare sections of similar colors with areas where different colors sit side by side to notice how planting arrangements change their appearance.
Looking at the green leaves and surrounding background as well as the flowers can help you put into words what drew you to the scene.
Compare the Shapes of Petals and Leaves
From a comfortable position on the path, observe the layers of petals, the direction flowers face, and the outlines of leaves.
Even among flowers of similar colors, focusing on their shapes makes spotting differences enjoyable.
For example, in the Herbaceous Peony Garden, comparing hitoe-zaki (single blooms) with one layer of petals and yae-zaki (double blooms) with many layers reveals the character of different varieties.
Changing your own position instead of moving flowers by hand is the basic way to observe plants without damaging them.
Understanding Kaika (Flowering), Migoro (Peak Bloom), and Other Bloom Updates
Japanese flower updates use kaika to mean flowers opening and migoro to indicate the best time for viewing.
A kaika notice alone does not mean that flowers across a wide area are all in bloom.
Understanding these terms also helps you plan when reading peak bloom estimates such as “mid-October to late October.”
Knowing words that describe flower conditions gives you clues when reading updates before a visit or signs at the park.
Here are terms you may see in flower updates and details to look for as you observe.
| Term | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Tsubomi (buds) | The stage before flowers open | Swelling and shape |
| Kaika | Flowers opening | The spread of the petals |
| Migoro | The best period for viewing | The overall state of the blooms |
| Kago (after flowering) | After the flowers have finished blooming | Changes after blooming |
Flower Photography Tips: Composition and Etiquette
When taking photos, vary the background and framing rather than focusing only on getting closer to the flowers.
Follow local guidance on where and how you may photograph, and leave room for others to walk around you.
Capture Both Wide Garden Views and Flower Details
Wide shots help capture the atmosphere of a place, while close-up views of flowers highlight their colors and shapes.
If your compositions start to look alike, add variety by including more background or focusing on one part of a flower.
Where ponds and flowers appear together, such as the Waterside Flower Garden, including the water's surface or surrounding trees in the background creates a sense of the season.
Here are ways to choose your composition and position for the impression you want to capture.
| What to Capture | Composition Tip | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| The breadth of the scenery | Include plenty of background | Check for people passing behind you |
| Flower shapes and colors | Make the main subject large in the frame | Do not lean over the plants |
| A memory of your trip | Include people and flowers together | Be considerate of others appearing in the frame |
Choose Your Position Based on Light and Background
Before deciding where to place a flower in the frame, check for distracting objects in the background to make your main subject clearer.
In strong sunlight, check the brightness of petals and shadows on your screen and try changing your shooting direction.
From December through February, the park closes earlier at 4:30 p.m. and daylight is shorter, so visit outdoor flower beds while it is still light if you want to photograph them.
Even when shooting from a low angle, choose a position that keeps you out of flower beds and does not block the path.
Stay Considerate of Others While Taking Photos
Before stepping backward while looking at your screen, look up and check your footing and the space behind you.
When photographing companions, stop where others can still pass and avoid occupying the spot for too long.
If you want another visitor to be the main subject of a photo, ask first, and be considerate by checking their wishes about sharing the image.
Even if you would like an aerial view, drone flights and photography are prohibited throughout the facility, including the parking lots, so enjoy taking photos from the ground.
Enter the Shimane Hana no Sato Photo Contest
Shimane Hana no Sato holds a photo contest featuring the park's flowers and scenery.
The 21st contest has the theme “Flowers, Scenery, and Changing Seasons at Shimane Hana no Sato,” with 3 categories—Creative, Flowers and Scenery, and Flowers and People—and accepts entries until January 10, 2027, with mailed entries valid if postmarked that day.
Entries are accepted as digital files saved on a CD-R and sent by mail or delivered in person, so consider reviewing the photos from your walk and choosing one that fits the theme.
Entry conditions and deadlines change with each contest, so check the entry guidelines for details.
What to Wear and Bring for a Garden Walk in Each Season
When preparing for your walk, consider comfort and the weather as well as how your clothing will look in photos.
Keeping your belongings organized and easy to handle makes it easier to move around while viewing and photographing flowers.
Choose Comfortable Walking Shoes
Choose familiar, well-fitting shoes rather than selecting them by appearance alone.
The park has several walking paths, including the Sunny Path and Komorebi-no-Komichi (Dappled Sunlight Path), and some areas, such as the Hellebore Path, follow a slope.
Watch the ground conditions after rain and avoid awkward positions when taking photos.
If wearing long clothing or carrying a large bag, take care not to brush against plants while walking or crouching.
Pack for Sun and Rain
If you plan to walk outdoors, check the weather forecast before leaving and choose items that help you respond to sun and changing temperatures.
In summer, including the sunflower peak from late July to early August, bring a hat and drinks and take regular breaks.
Use these points to organize what you bring.
- A hat and sun protection
- A jacket you can put on or take off as temperatures change
- Rain gear suited to the forecast
- Bags to carry trash and wet items home separately
Because you must take home any trash you bring into the park when eating or drinking, carrying extra trash bags is helpful.
When using an umbrella, check where you open and close it and your distance from other people, and avoid catching it on plants.
Use the Stroller and Wheelchair Loan Service
Shimane Hana no Sato has 8 strollers, 12 wheelchairs, and 8 pushcarts available to borrow.
Reservations are not available, so ask at reception after you arrive if you would like to use one.
If visiting with young children or companions concerned about walking distances, using the loan service can make exploring the park more comfortable.
Care for the Plants and Consider Your Companions as You Explore
Flower viewing is more comfortable when you avoid damaging plants and agree with your companions on a manageable walking pace.
If someone in your group is new to flower viewing, try stopping wherever something interests them and asking what they notice.
Observe Plants Without Picking Them
Avoid picking flowers or leaves, pulling branches toward you, or stepping on planted areas.
Shimane Hana no Sato prohibits damaging plants by breaking or uprooting them, or taking them home, so do not take fallen flowers or fruit either.
With children, suggest pointing at interesting flowers or searching for favorite colors to encourage observation without touching.
Consider Your Companions' Pace and the Journey Home
Decide how far to walk based on how everyone feels that day and what your companions want to do.
If some people want to take photos while others prefer to stroll and look around, check in with each other from time to time so that no one is left waiting too long.
Take breaks where you will not obstruct others, such as the Main Building's rest area or the Lawn Plaza, and take home any trash you bring in when eating or drinking in the park.
Your ticket allows same-day reentry, so if you get tired, you can rest outside the park before returning to explore.
If using public transportation, check your return service first and leave enough time to get ready to depart.
Ask Short, Clear Questions When You Do Not Understand the Guidance
If you cannot understand a Japanese sign, use a translation app as an aid and ask staff, such as those at the Main Building reception desk, about anything you are unsure of.
Keep questions brief and specific, such as “May I take photos here?” or “What is this flower called?”
Machine translation can misinterpret conditions, so check with someone on site if you are unsure whether photography or entry is permitted.
Making the Most of Shimane Hana no Sato
Before visiting Shimane Hana no Sato, check the visitor information for opening hours, closed days, and flowers at their best, and consider whether you want to focus on flower viewing or photography.
With affordable adult admission of 250 yen and daily opening from March through November, this flower park is easy to revisit in different seasons.
During your visit, focus on whatever catches your eye, such as groups of colors or the shapes of petals, and you can enjoy the flowers even without knowing their names.
Care for the plants and explore at a comfortable pace while sharing your discoveries with your companions.
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