Kochia, with its fluffy, round shape and bright red hue, is an adorable annual plant that has become a sensation in Japan. Also known as “broom grass” because its dried stems were once used to make brooms, Kochia was introduced to Japan as a food crop from China during the Heian period. In this article, we’ve handpicked seven breathtaking locations where you can see Kochia in all its glory—perfect for your next Instagram post! If you’re visiting Japan during peak season, be sure to check these spots out.
※A portion of the sales from purchases or reservations of the products introduced in this article may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
Best Seasons and Places to View Kochia in Japan
Kochia offers a dual spectacle throughout the year. It turns lush green in summer and then bursts into brilliant red in autumn. Here’s when and where you can catch this stunning transformation in Japan.
When Can You See Kochia in Japan?
The best time to see Kochia stretches from June to November. The plants turn a beautiful green by July, and tiny flowers bloom around August. However, the flowers are quite small and not very noticeable, so the real highlight is when the leaves change to a vibrant red in October and November—this is considered the peak viewing period.
Where Can You See Kochia in Japan?
Kochia thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand heat and drought, growing during the hot months from June to August. By late August, it stops growing as flower buds appear. Due to these specific growing conditions, Kochia can only be found in select areas across Japan. Let’s explore some of these locations.
1. Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park (Miyagi Prefecture)
Located in Kawasaki Town, Miyagi Prefecture, Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park features approximately 6,000 Kochia plants spread over a 6,000-square-meter terraced field.
The Kochia plants turn vibrant shades of red between mid-October and early November, during which time the park hosts its annual Autumn Festival. On some occasions, admission is free, so it’s a good idea to check the park’s website before planning your visit. The park also holds a magical light and sound illumination event, attracting visitors from within and outside the prefecture every year. The breathtaking views, both during the day and at night, are sure to enhance your social media feed.
- Address: 53-9 Ono Nihommatsu, Kawasaki-machi, Shibata-gun 989-1505 Miyagi Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-October to Early November
[kkday]👉Recommended Leisure Activities and Sightseeing Information in Miyagi
2. Tokyo German Village | Chiba Prefecture
Tokyo German Village, a flower and greenery-themed park located in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture, offers a delightful experience of autumn flowers and landscapes at their peak. In the vast grounds of Tokyo German Village, you can fully immerse yourself in the deepening autumn.
In the "Country Area," you'll find a breathtaking sight of 15,000 Kochia plants blooming across the hillside. The vibrant red Kochia, with its adorable, rounded shape, creates a stunning landscape.
- Address: 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Viewing Time: Early to Mid-October
👉Surrounded by nature♪ A theme park enjoyable for both children and adults, 'Tokyo German Village'
[kkday]👉Recommended leisure activities, experiences, games, and sightseeing information in Chiba
3. Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Seaside Park is a perfect spot for a refreshing stroll along its lush, green walking paths.
During summer, the green Kochia plants are plump and soft to the touch. They start to change color from lime green in early July, gradually turning red by early October. The gradient of green and red hues is one of the park's unique attractions.
- Address ：605-4 Onuma-aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Hours：9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Viewing Time：Early July to Late October
4. Hirugano Picnic Garden (Gifu Prefecture)
At Hirugano Picnic Garden, Kochia begins to change color from late September, reaching its peak of autumn hues in early October. The vast fields of bright red Kochia create a breathtaking scene.
You can easily reach the mountaintop by lift, where you’ll be able to admire the Kochia from above—a view unlike any other. Hirugano Picnic Garden is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure. It's a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos, especially during the peak season, when tourists flock to see the short-lived Kochia foliage.
- Address ：4670-75 Hirugano, Takasu-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture
- Hours：9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Viewing Time：Early to Late October
[kkday]👉Recommended leisure, experience activities, play, and sightseeing information in Gifu
5. Biwako Hakoneyama (Shiga Prefecture)
At Biwako Hakodateyama, a leisure facility in Shiga Prefecture, you can enjoy the fluffy Kochia plants. Around 6,000 Kochia plants are grown on the slopes and fields, which transform into ski slopes in winter. The cultivation began in 2012 with about 2,000 plants, and the number has increased each year. The facility is located at an altitude of approximately 640 meters, overlooking Lake Biwa.
Hakodateyama Ski Resort, which bustles with skiers in winter, turns into a refreshing highland from early spring. At Kochia Park, the plants start with a light green color from July to August and turn red by October. The gondola ride to the mountaintop offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, making it a must-visit spot.
- Address: 4201-4 Hiokimae, Imazu-cho, Takashima City, , Shiga Prefecture
- Hours：9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Viewing Time: Late September to Mid-October
[kkday]👉Biwako Mt. Hakodate Admission Advance Sale Ticket
6. Shima City Tourist Farm (Mie Prefecture)
Shima City Tourist Farm is a tourist farm in Shima City that opens seasonally, in line with the blooming periods of flowers such as cosmos, nemophila, sunflowers, and Kochia. Be sure to check the farm's website or social media for the open dates before visiting.
The Kochia area at Shima City Tourist Farm features many Instagrammable photo spots. The scene of Kochia with a European-style red telephone box in the background is particularly striking. Visitors can take photos of the round, cute Kochia plants, stroll freely around the farm, and enjoy a leisurely time while capturing memorable pictures.
- Address: Isobecho Anagawa, Shima, Mie Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Open during seasonal flower blooming periods)
- Best Viewing Time: Late August to Early October
[kkday]👉Shima City Tourist Farm: Kochia Farm Admission Ticket | Mie, Japan
7. National Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka Prefecture is a national park that covers a vast area of approximately 350 hectares. The attraction is that you can enjoy seasonal flowers and interact with animals. At the Hiroto Kaze Hiroba, there are various activities such as the 16.8m high thrilling athletic "Sea Dragoon" and horse riding.You can try out the activities.
From early October onwards, the scenery is filled with autumn flowers, including 2,000 kochia plants that look cute like large marimos, and 1 million cosmos trees that spread all over the hill. Every year, tourists from all over the country gather at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park to see the bright red kochia flowers in autumn, when the entire flowerbed is dyed bright red.
- Address: 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Hours：9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed at 5:00 PM from November to February)
- Best Viewing Time: Early to Late October
［kkday]👉Marine World Uminonakamichi Aquarium Ticket | Fukuoka
Plan Your Kochia Viewing in Japan!
We’ve introduced seven recommended spots to see Kochia in Japan. Some locations open specifically during the blooming season, while others are open year-round, so be sure to check websites or social media before visiting.
Many places also host events during the blooming season, offering unique experiences. Find the best season for each location and embark on a journey to enjoy the beauty of Kochia!
Comments