The Tonami Tulip Festival is an annual spring event held in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, showcasing an incredible display of over three million tulips in various colors and varieties. As Japan's leading tulip bulb producer, Tonami celebrates its vibrant floral heritage through this fair, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad.
Where is the Tonami Tulip Park?
The Tonami Tulip Park is located in the city of Tonami in Toyama Prefecture. It is close by the woodcarving town of Inami as well as the metalworking city of Takaoka and its famous Zuiryuji Temple. If you are coming from a larger city like Kanazawa or Toyama you need to transfer to the JR Johana Line and get off at Tonami Station.
A Brief History
Tulips are not a flower native to Japan but in 1918 in Toyama City, a man by the name of Bunzo Mizuno wanted to make use of the rice paddies in the winter. He thought to plant tulips and due to the suitable temperatures, abundant water from melted snow and long hours of winter sunshine in Tonami he started his experiment. This came to a head after the war when GHQ (General Headquarters), the American Occupation Forces, decided to consolidate the horticulture research in Niigata. The resident of the area came together and put on the first fair, showcasing the tulip they had bene growing. This impressed the American officers and the horticulture research in Toyama was allowed to continue.
Visiting the Tonami Tulip Festival
The easiest way to get to the Tulip Festival is by car but it is also accessible by train and bus! See the FAQ below for some more information about getting to the Tulip Park. Another great way to travel to the Festival is by a tour. We offer a day tour that goes to the Tulip Park in the morning and then the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gokayama in the afternoon. You can make the most of your day and see the traditional thatched roof buildings after the walking around beautiful tulips. Check it out below!
New Tour
[Spring Only] 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Tonami's Terrific Tulips and the UNESCO site of Gokayama
Top Things to do in Takaoka and Toyama
Looking for other things to do around the area? Check out our "Top 15 Things to do in Takaoka" for places close to the Tonami Tulip Park. For those interested in history and culture there is Zuiryuji Temple, Inami, the Kanayamachi Metalworking District and Shokoji Temple. The natural beauty of the Amaharashi Coast and the Shogawa River Cruise are also something that can't be missed! For the greater Toyama you can find some amazing things in the "Top 25 Things to do in Toyama." The entire prefecture has a many awesome sights such as the Kurobe Gorge, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, the Spring Quartet of Flowers and the Ecchu Yatsuo traditional streetscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the festival?
It is usually the end of April until the beginning of May. In 2025 it was April 22 until May 5.
How do you get there?
You can get there by car or train. If you are coming by train, transfer at either Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka Station to the JR Johana Line. It's a short ride to Tonami Station where you then walk 15 minutes to the park. There is sometimes a shuttle that runs between the station and the park.
How much does it cost to get in?
It's 1500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. (2025)
How long should I spend here?
Depending on how much you enjoy looking at flowers, it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. There are shops and many pathways throughout the venue.
Is there food sold here?
Yes, there are food vendors. It is a festival so there are many food trucks and others selling fried foods, cooked meat and sweets. There are also locations selling bento boxes for you to eat and spots you find particularly scenic.
