Japan is home to many grand windmills, offering breathtaking scenery and making them must-visit spots for those seeking a delightful getaway. The stunning views of seasonal flowers harmonizing with windmills create an ambiance reminiscent of Europe!
Here are 10 enchanting windmill destinations that will leave you captivated. Come experience the unique charm of nature!
[Hokkaido] Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park / かみゆうべつチューリップ公園
This park boasts a Dutch-style windmill observation deck and spans 12.5 hectares. Every May, the Kamiyubetsu Tulip Fair brings vibrant tulips across 7 hectares, blending beautifully with the windmill for a picturesque scene. Be sure to climb the windmill deck for a panoramic view of the tulip fields!
The park features around 200 tulip varieties, including rare ones imported from the Netherlands, creating a dazzling display.
[Fukushima] Koriyama Nunobiki Wind Plateau / 郡山布引風の高原
Situated at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, Koriyama Nunobiki Wind Plateau offers stunning views of Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai. Beyond its role as a wind farm with 33 towering windmills, it serves as a canvas for nature, where seasonal flowers complement the spinning blades.
In spring, canola flowers blanket the fields in gold; in summer, sunflowers bloom vibrantly; and in autumn, cosmos flowers sway gently, creating breathtaking landscapes. From mid-August to early September, the sunflower fields paired with white windmills against a blue sky offer a refreshing and serene sight.
Standing on the plateau with a gentle breeze and distant lake and mountain views, you’ll feel truly rejuvenated. It’s a perfect spot for photography and leisurely moments with family or friends.
[Saitama] Miharashi Park / 見晴公園
For a refreshing escape near the city, Miharashi Park is an excellent choice! Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from JR Toro Station, the park features a striking windmill with four canvas blades, a favorite for visitors.
From late March to early April, canola flowers bloom at the windmill’s base, their golden hues contrasting beautifully with the white windmill and surrounding cherry blossoms, evoking the essence of spring. Uniquely, the windmill doubles as an observation deck, offering sweeping views of the canola flower sea.
If you pass by on the Tobu Urban Park Line, the windmill and flower fields create a charming scene from the train window. It’s an ideal spot for a spring outing!
[Chiba] Sakura Hometown Park / 佐倉ふるさと広場
Established in 1995 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kashiwa City, Sakura Hometown Park is easily accessible from central Tokyo, making it a popular destination. A Dutch-style windmill stands prominently among orchards, flower fields, and grassy areas, capturing every visitor’s attention.
The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the April Sakura Tulip Festival, July Windmill Sunflower Garden, and October Cosmos Festival, drawing crowds to admire the splendid blend of flowers and windmills.
Visitors can also explore Japan’s first water-pumping windmill. With nursing rooms available, it’s a great spot for families with young children.
[Chiba] Akebonoyama Agricultural Park / あけぼの山農業公園
Opened in 1995 to mark Kashiwa City’s 40th anniversary, Akebonoyama Agricultural Park is conveniently reachable from central Tokyo, making it an ideal destination. Its highlight is a Dutch-style windmill set amidst orchards, flower fields, and grassy plazas.
From spring to autumn, the windmill is surrounded by seasonal blooms like tulips, sunflowers, and cosmos. In winter, the snow-draped windmill creates a serene and beautiful scene.
With 350 cherry blossom trees, the park is also a recommended spot for cherry blossom viewing.
[Mie] Aoyama Plateau / 青山高原
Nestled within the Muro-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park, Aoyama Plateau is a refreshing highland retreat. In spring, fairy flowers and azaleas bloom vibrantly, complementing the windmills in a natural masterpiece.
The plateau hosts 89 wind turbines, forming the Aoyama Plateau Wind Farm. These white, propeller-like windmills dot the expansive landscape, blending grandeur with harmony. Visitors can get up close to experience the impressive scale of the turbines.
Driving along the Aoyama Plateau Park Line offers captivating views of Ise Bay, making it a perfect route for couples or friends seeking a scenic road trip.
[Osaka] Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi / 花博記念公園 鶴見緑地
Once the site of the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi is now a vibrant park offering diverse activities like horseback riding, swimming, barbecuing, and camping for visitors of all ages.
A majestic windmill, built from Dutch blueprints, stands atop Windmill Hill, serving as a park landmark. In spring, the flowerbeds below burst with tulips, pansies, and violets, creating a festive and colorful atmosphere.
Pet-friendly, the park allows dogs on leashes, making it a wonderful place to stroll with your furry friend and capture heartwarming photos with windmills and flowers.
[Tokushima] Asutamu Land Tokushima / あすたむらんど徳島
Located in northeastern Tokushima at the foot of Sanuki Mountain, Asutamu Land Tokushima is surrounded by abundant natural beauty. A windmill perches atop Windmill Hill, accessible via a flower-lined path. Its stone base and black triangular roof lend an exotic charm.
In spring, tulips and pansies bloom; in autumn, cosmos flowers sway; and in winter, narcissus flowers add delicate beauty. The windmill and flowers create a fragrant harmony year-round, with stunning views of the Yoshino River from the hilltop.
[Kagawa] Shodoshima Olive Park / 小豆島オリーブ公園
Shodoshima Olive Park, a roadside station on Shodoshima, celebrates the island’s signature olives. On the park’s western side, a Greek-style windmill, built in 1992, stands among olive groves, symbolizing friendship with Milos Island, Greece.
The all-white windmill with triangular sails is elegant and striking. On clear days, the blue Seto Inland Sea, sky, and green lawns form a perfect backdrop for photography. Free “magic broom” rentals let visitors pose in front of the windmill for whimsical, flying-themed photos, adding fun to the visit.
[Fukuoka Oshima] Windmill Observatory / 風車展望所
The Windmill Observatory on northern Oshima, an island off Fukuoka, is a scenic gem accessible by ferry from Kami-Ku Port. A red windmill stands on a flower-ringed lookout, framed by the vast Genkai Sea, offering island-exclusive vistas. On clear days, you might even spot the UNESCO World Heritage site, Okinoshima.
A gentle path leads to the windmill, welcoming first-time visitors. Along the way, spring canola flowers, summer sunflowers, and autumn cosmos create vibrant scenes perfect for photos. Whether sharing nature’s beauty with family or chasing island views with friends, this spot promises joy and fulfillment.
