Discover the Golden Heart of Hokkaido’s Sunflower Country
Nestled along National Route 275 in the serene countryside of Hokkaido’s North Ryukyu, Sunflower Hokuryu is a vibrant roadside station where golden fields meet modern comfort. More than just a stop, it’s a celebration of local pride, centered around Japan’s iconic sunflower — from golden oil and sweet treats to aromatic sunflower baths. With a charming Dutch-style gate, a cozy restaurant, and a bustling marketplace, this destination offers a full sensory journey through Hokkaido’s rural charm.
Why Visit
Visit Sunflower Hokuryu, a roadside station where golden sunflowers bloom in season, offering a unique blend of nature, local flavor, and relaxation. Experience the famed sunflower bath, savor regional specialties like sunflower seed soba and black soybean rice, and explore the adjacent sunflower fields just steps away.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Sunflower Hokuryu, where local ingredients meet creative flair in every bite.
Windmill Restaurant
風車
Specialty
Specializing in sunflower-themed dishes using local ingredients
A restaurant located within the roadside station that offers a unique dining experience centered around sunflower-inspired cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a focus on local flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and regional treasures at Sunflower Hokuryu’s vibrant marketplace.
Sunflower Park Shop
サンフラワーパーク・ショップ
A retail shop offering a wide variety of sunflower-themed souvenirs and local products from North Ryuo Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sunflower Oil
Featured Products
Explore signature items like sunflower oil, black thousand stone soybeans, and fresh local produce.
Sunflower Oil
ひまわり油
A high-quality oil extracted from sunflower seeds grown in North Ryuo Town, known for its rich flavor and health benefits.
Sunflower Soft Serve
ひまわりソフト
A refreshing soft serve ice cream made with sunflower seed extract, offering a unique taste that celebrates the region's famous sunflowers.
Sunflower-themed Merchandise
ひまわりグッズ
A variety of souvenirs and gifts featuring sunflower designs, including keychains, mugs, and decorative items.
Sunflower Rice
ひまわりライス
A premium rice variety grown in North Ryuo Town, known for its delicate aroma and soft texture, perfect for traditional Japanese meals.
Black Thousand Stone Soybeans
黒千石大豆
A unique variety of soybeans cultivated in North Ryuo Town, known for their rich flavor and high nutritional value.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, EV charging, and accessible facilities at Sunflower Hokuryu.
Parking Lot
The parking lot is available 24 hours and includes 110 regular parking spaces and 16 large vehicle parking spaces. There is also a restroom within the parking area.
Inside the parking lot
Toilet
Toilets are available, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet and an ostomy-friendly toilet. These facilities are available 24 hours, but not all are accessible at all times.
Inside the parking lot and throughout the facility
Free Public Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is available for guests. For details, please contact the front desk at Sanflour Park Hotel.
Throughout the facility, available at the front desk
Information Center
The roadside station provides information about the area, including local attractions, events, and services. The stamp station is located between the restaurant and shop.
Between the restaurant and shop
Playground
The spacious front yard features playground equipment such as water fountains and melon and watermelon-themed play structures.
Front yard
Hot Spring
The hot spring is a natural hot spring with 100% fresh water flow. It includes a popular open-air bath known as the sunflower bath. Day-use bathing is available from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Inside the Sanflour Park Hotel complex
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging is available at the roadside station.
Parking lot
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants. It includes a changing table.
Inside the facility
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Near the entrance
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around the sunflower festival and arrive early to secure limited-edition local treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM to secure a parking spot near the entrance and enjoy the quiet morning atmosphere before the midday crowds arrive.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the small deli counter near the restaurant entrance to find locally made black soybean miso and limited-edition sunflower seed crackers not listed on the main menu.
- Weekend Bonuses: On Saturdays and Sundays, the roadside station hosts a small farmers' market with fresh sunflower oil, heirloom melons, and handmade sunflower-themed crafts—only available during these hours.
- Photo Opportunities: Climb the steps on either side of the "Kitoro Gate" to take panoramic photos of the sunflower field behind the station; best light is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
- Money Savers: Use the roadside station’s free Wi-Fi to download the North Ryukyu Town official app, which offers a 10% discount on purchases at the shop when scanned at checkout.
- Avoiding Crowds: Skip the main parking area and use the side lot near the sunflower field entrance, which is less frequented and offers a peaceful walk to the station.
- Closure Alerts: Check the official North Ryukyu Town website (hokuryu.info) before visiting, as the restaurant closes every Wednesday (except July and August), and the station may temporarily close during the mid-November winter maintenance period.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Spring offers mild weather and blooming canola fields, with golden hues appearing from late April, ideal for scenic walks and early seasonal photography.
Summer (June-August): Summer is peak season for the North Ryu Sunflower Festival, with full bloom from late July to early August, featuring massive sunflower fields and special sunflower-themed food and events.
Fall (September-November): Fall brings the harvest of black thousand stone soybeans and sunflower oil, with limited-edition sunflower katsu curry and black bean bento available from July to September.
Winter (December-February): Winter is quiet but offers cozy relaxation at the hot spring baths, with the sunflower-themed spa and warm indoor experiences perfect for cold-weather visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Play areas and child-friendly food options available; stroller-friendly with ample parking and accessible facilities.
Food Lover Review
Diverse local specialties like sunflower-themed dishes and regional produce; fresh, high-quality ingredients used in meals.
Car Camping Review
Plenty of parking with overnight access; basic facilities available but not optimized for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Beautiful natural surroundings with scenic views; strong seasonal appeal from sunflower fields and nearby landscapes.