When is the best time to visit Hitsujiyama Park?

The park's Shibazakura Hill is in full bloom from mid-April to early May during the annual Shibazakura Festival. It is considered the best time to visit and witness the vibrant display of colors.

How do I get to Hitsujiyama Park?

You can take a train or bus from Tokyo to Chichibu Station, then take a local bus or taxi to the park's entrance. Alternatively, you can drive and use the available parking lots at the park.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, the park is free to enter all year round. However, during the Shibazakura Festival, an admission fee of 300 yen is charged.

Are pets allowed in Hitsujiyama Park?

Yes, pets are allowed in the park if they are kept on a leash and their waste is correctly disposed of.

Can I bring my food and drinks?

Bring your food and beverages to enjoy in the park's designated picnic areas. Various food stalls are also available during the Festival. However, please refrain from eating while walking to maintain the cleanliness of the park.

Saitama

Hitsujiyama Park

4.1 (4106)ParkTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 29, 2026

Hitsujiyama Park is located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. The park sits on a hillside overlooking the city and has been a public space since 1916, when the local government established it as a recreational area for residents and visitors. The site takes its name from its gentle slopes, which resemble the rounded backs of sheep, with "hitsujiyama" translating to "sheep mountain" in Japanese.

The park's primary attraction is its extensive shibazakura display, featuring approximately 400,000 moss phlox plants covering an area of around 17,600 square meters. These ground-hugging flowers bloom in shades of pink, white, purple, and magenta from mid-April through early May, creating a vibrant carpet across the hillside. The display was first planted in 2000 and has since become one of the Kanto region's most photographed spring landscapes. Beyond the shibazakura season, the park maintains a small petting zoo with actual sheep, a nod to its name, and offers views of the surrounding Chichibu mountains.

Visitors can walk designated paths through the flower fields during peak season, with the best views available from elevated observation points within the park. The adjacent Chichibu Muse Park provides additional walking trails and recreational facilities. Local food vendors operate during the shibazakura festival period, offering Chichibu specialties and seasonal refreshments. Photography is unrestricted, and the site attracts both casual tourists and serious photographers seeking landscape shots.

The park is accessible via the Seibu Chichibu Line, with Seibu-Chichibu Station serving as the nearest rail connection from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station, requiring approximately 80 minutes by limited express train. From the station, the park is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride of around 5 minutes. Buses also run from the station to the park entrance during the shibazakura season. Admission to the park is free outside the festival period, while during the spring bloom season a fee of 300 yen is charged.

Phone

+81 494-26-6867

Website

www.city.chichibu.lg.jp

Overview

Address

6360 Ōmiya, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0023, Japan

Places & attractions near Hitsujiyama Park

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with ornate wooden architecture, surrounded by lush green trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A stone path leads to the shrine’s entrance.

Chichibu Shrine

A clear river flows between rocky cliffs and lush green trees under a bright blue sky. Small groups of people stand on the rocks and swim in the water, surrounded by natural scenery.

Nagatoro Valley (Iwadatami)

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine stands surrounded by trees. The ornate building features intricate wooden carvings, a curved roof, and stone lanterns, with a red umbrella and offerings visible to the right.

Hodosan Shrine

Forest Adventure CHICHIBU, Saitama

Places & attractions near Hitsujiyama Park

Chichibu Shrine

Nagatoro Valley (Iwadatami)

Hodosan Shrine

Forest Adventure CHICHIBU, Saitama

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Shiba Sakura season visit - ¥500 pp for entry fee. Parking was a bit difficult to access but there are people who can guide you to the nearest parking. This place was absolutely stunning and took our breath away. Late April is the best season for tiny little pink flowers - Shiba Sakura. There were lots of food truck and you can enjoy the local Chichibu popular food. Also for the people who wants to take baby and pets, there are many people using stroller and pram as well.

Z H

Apr 25, 2026

My second visit to the park for the Shiba-sakura in late April. It was not as crowded in the morning. The view was simply stunning! Entrance fee during the season is 500 yen per person.

Hitsujiyama is a world-famous garden of moss phlox. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from Ohanabatake Station. The stairs leading up the hill were very steep. The entrance fee was 500 yen. The flowers were truly magnificent. Thank you!

Hitsujiyama Park is on the opposite side of the Shibazakura Hill. There is no entrance fee. The park is dotted with Sakura trees that people can picnic under. There is plenty of parking in front of the park.

This is a vast park. I originally just wanted to come here for an early morning run, but since the park is on a slope (or hill), I changed my mind and decided to take a walk instead. It has large lawns and walking trails (or paths), and it's quite interesting because you can even spot some animals here.