Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Ozora

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is located in Ozora Town in Hokkaido's Abashiri County, positioned at the foot of Mt. Mokoto in the Okhotsk region. The park operates from May 3 to September 30 each year and has become one of the most recognized destinations for shibazakura viewing in the entire prefecture. The park's central attraction lies in its ten-hectare expanse of moss phlox fields that transform the landscape into a stunning pink and white carpet during the peak blooming season.

The park's significance stems from its role in showcasing Hokkaido's distinctive spring flowering season, which arrives later than in other parts of Japan due to the region's northern climate. Shibazakura, also known as moss phlox, serves as the representative flower of spring in Hokkaido, and this location provides one of the most spectacular displays of these flowers anywhere in the country. The Shibazakura Festival coincides with the blooming period and has established the park as a premier seasonal destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Visitors can experience the park's flower fields through multiple vantage points, with an observatory positioned at the top of the hill offering optimal views for photography. The park provides various recreational activities including go-kart paths, a fishing pond, and helicopter rides for aerial views of the flower fields. Additional facilities include bungalows and campground accommodations for extended stays, along with local restaurants serving regional cuisine. The park also connects to the nearby Higashimokoto Nyūrakukan, which showcases the area's dairy industry history and traditional cheesemaking methods.

Adult admission costs ¥500, with children's tickets priced at ¥250 and children under five entering free. The admission fee includes complimentary parking. The park can be reached via a 30-minute taxi ride from Abashiri Station, which is served by both the Sekihoku Main Line and the Senmō Main Line. Alternative transportation includes taking a bus from Abashiri Station to the Higashimokoto area, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride to the park. Visitors traveling by car can reach the park via a 45-minute scenic drive from major regional centers.