2025 Latest Information: "Windmill Sunflower Garden" at Sakura Furusato Plaza in Chiba Prefecture will be closed for a while.

  • Chiba
  • Sightseeing
A carpet of sunflowers spreading under the blue sky and windmills courtesy of Sakura City

This article was originally published in 2024, with the latest information as of June 2025.

[Added in 2025] "Windmill Sunflower Garden" will be closed for a while.

The "Windmill Sunflower Garden" will be closed for a while due to the expansion of Sakura Furusato Hiroba, the site of the event, into a park seven times larger than the original site. During this construction period (scheduled from FY2025 to the end of FY2028), all flower events, including the Tulip Festa in spring and the Cosmos Festa in fall, will be suspended.

It is a little sad that the "Windmill Sunflower Garden," which used to be an annual summer attraction, will not be seen for a while. However, Sakura City is now making a big move to create a new form of tourism. I look forward to seeing how Sakura will change in the future so that visitors can enjoy its historic cityscape and natural bounty in a more attractive way. The next time you visit, even more wonderful scenery and experiences will be waiting for you. Please check back for future updates♪

The following is information as of 2024.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers! Sakura Furusato Plaza

At Sakura Furusato Hiroba, which stretches along the banks of Inwanuma, the prefecture's largest lake, you can enjoy seasonal flowers along with the beautiful countryside that spreads out before you.
The "Windmill Sunflower Garden," scheduled to open in early July, features the work of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, who was known for his passion for sunflowers, Named after Vincent van Gogh, a Dutch painter known for his passion for sunflowers, about 15,000 "Vincent" sunflowers will be in full bloom at the "Windmill Sunflower Garden" scheduled to open in early July. Please enjoy the beautiful "Sunflower Garden" spreading all over the banks of the Inba Marsh against the backdrop of the landmark Dutch windmill "Liefde" in Sakura Furusato Plaza and the blue summer sky!
Large sunflowers Photo courtesy of Sakura City

Take home your favorite sunflowers!

During the event, you can also pick sunflowers for 100 yen per sunflower. (Up to 2 sunflowers per person)
If you find your favorite sunflowers, you can take them home to enjoy at home as a keepsake.

*Subject to change depending on blooming conditions.

Explore the inside of the Dutch windmill "Liefde

The Dutch windmill "Liefde" is Japan's first water pumping windmill, and its interior can be viewed free of charge. Since the wings are moved by the force of the wind, it may not be operated due to strong or no wind, but when the wings are spinning, visitors can see up close the water wheel gears built into the first floor of the windmill in motion. Another attraction is the view of the countryside and lakeside scenery from the second floor window up the warm wooden stairs. The only "windmill keeper" in Japan is also available at certain times of the day, so you can observe him at work and listen to his explanations about windmills.


The windmill is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00.
*Hours may change during events.
*For details, see the official Sakura City website.
Waterwheel gears on the first floor of the tower
The view from the second floor window

Rent a bicycle and go cycling around the Inba-numa area!

Rental bicycles are also available. A cycling path is maintained along the lakeside, and many people usually enjoy cycling and walking. The path is covered with trees and has many shady spots, so why not take a walk while enjoying the lakeside scenery?

There are no stores or vending machines along the bike path, so be sure to pack a drink before you leave!

Bicycle Rental
Cycling road

Take a break at the store "Saranka" after a stroll

After you have had your fill of walking and cycling, take a break at the "Saranka" store. In addition to souvenirs and fresh local vegetables, you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream made from locally produced milk. The terrace in front of the store is a special place to sit overlooking the carpet of sunflowers and windmills.
Saranka" store
Soft ice cream made from locally produced milk is popular!
Click here for the official website of Sakura City

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East Dynamic Rail Pack" is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! In addition, day trip plans are also available! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Babycal is a convenient place to go with small children!

BabyCal is a stroller rental service that can be reserved. You can rent a stroller for a short period of time or up to 7 days for your outing around Funabashi, depending on your purpose.
For reservations for "Baby Cal"
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