Tonami Tulip Fair 2026: Japan’s Biggest Tulip Festival in Toyama
Plan your visit to the 2026 Tonami Tulip Fair in Toyama, Japan, the country’s largest tulip festival. All the event details, travel tips, and reasons to visit.
2026 Tonami Tulip Fair Event Details
- Event Name: Tonami Tulip Fair 2026 (となみチューリップフェア)
- Location: Tonami Tulip Park & Tonami Tulip Gallery, Toyama Prefecture
- Dates: April 23 to May 5, 2026 (expected)
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
- Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥1,500
- Children: ¥500
- Children under 6: Free
- Nearest Station: Tonami Station (15-minute walk)
- Perfect visit Between Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as right next to Kanazawa
🚅 Easy day trip from Toyama City or Kanazawa via the Johana Line.
Welcome to the Tonami Tulip Fair: A Sea of Color in Toyama
Cherry blossoms get all the hype, but if you skip Tonami in late April, you’re seriously missing out. We’re talking millions of blooming tulips in brilliant colors, arranged in stunning displays, towers, and art installations that stretch across Tonami Tulip Park.
This isn’t your average flower show. It’s Japan’s largest tulip event, backed by over 70 years of history and the passion of a community that lives and breathes tulips.
🌷 I’m William, the Barefoot Surfer, a Toyama local and your go-to guide for uncovering Japan’s hidden gems. I’ve lived in this prefecture for a few years now — and let me tell you, Tonami’s Tulip Fair is one of the most underrated spring experiences in all of Japan.
Toyama makes a perfect stop between Tokyo and Kyoto. A countryside area known for some of the best seafood, and some great nature having both the famous Tateyama mountain range, and the beach touching each other.
For other things in Toyama read the Toyama Guide
Choose when to visit by the best season to visit Toyama
What Is the Tonami Tulip Fair?
Held in Tonami City, a peaceful countryside town in Toyama Prefecture, this spring festival features:
- Over 3 million tulips
- 600+ varieties of tulips in every color imaginable
- Tulip towers, flower art, canals, and topiary displays
- Local food stalls, crafts, and cultural events
- Access to the Tonami Tulip Gallery, Japan’s only tulip museum
The fair is a true celebration of spring, nature, and local pride – and you’ll feel it the moment you arrive.
🗓️ When Is the 2026 Tonami Tulip Fair?
- Expected Dates: April 23 to May 5, 2026
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays before Golden Week (for fewer crowds and ideal photo conditions)
The 2025 event was held between 4/22/25 and 5/5/25
🚆 How to Get to the Festival
From Toyama Station:
- Take the JR Johana Line to Tonami Station (~40 mins)
- Walk 15 minutes to Tonami Tulip Park
From Tokyo:
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station (~2.5 hrs)
- Transfer to Johana Line to Tonami Station (~30 mins)
Backpacker Bonus:
- All travel is covered with a JR Pass, making this a budget-friendly side trip from Tokyo, Kanazawa, or Toyama
For nearby Nature, check out:
Shomyo Falls: Japan’s Tallest Waterfall
Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route Snow Wall: The world’s tallest snow wall
Gokayama: Discover Toyama’s Hidden UNESCO Village
What Makes This Festival So Special?
Tonami isn’t just putting tulips in flower beds — they’re creating a living art gallery.
My personal experience at the tulip fair
I’ve personally attended both in 2024, and 2025. It was good enough to go back a second time. If you’re in Kanazawa, Toyama, or Takayama, it’s an easily accessible event that gives you the spring feeling.
If you have pollen allergies like me, make sure to take some medicine before, or don’t… like I do every spring, and end up with hay fever.
Either way, it’s a busy place, but has a historical value to Japan as well, with a museum in the park grounds that talks about Tonami’s significance with tulips in Japan.
I would personally go by car if you have the option, but it’s accessible by public transit as well.
🌈 What You’ll See:
- Massive tulip beds in swirling patterns
- 3D tulip sculptures (think tulip ferris wheels and castles)
- Canals lined with flowerboats and photo bridges
- Elevated viewing platforms for drone-like perspectives
What You’ll Feel:
- Pure spring joy — locals greet you with smiles
- Calm and community energy, away from the big city bustle
- A creative celebration of nature that makes you slow down and smile
Barefoot Surfer Tips
- Visit Early (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) for soft light and fewer people
- Photographers: Golden Hour before sunset is spectacular
- Don’t Miss the Tulip Gallery; it’s open year-round
- Souvenir Tip: Buy rare tulip bulbs and regional crafts
- Have a plan for the rest of the day: this only takes about an hour
Why Backpackers Should Add Tonami to Their Spring Route
If you’re doing a spring loop around Japan, this is a perfect cultural stop:
- ✅ Under ¥3,000 round-trip from Toyama
- ✅ Easy public transport access
- ✅ Rare chance to experience a flower festival outside the Tokyo-Kyoto circuit
- ✅ Peaceful, photogenic, and totally unique
Food Ideas: Toyama Gems
FAQs About Tonami & the Tulip Fair
Q: Can I buy tulip bulbs at the festival?
Yes! Rare and hybrid varieties are sold onsite.
Q: Is the festival open during rain?
Yes, bring an umbrella. Light rain makes for great photos.
Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, paths are flat and accessible facilities are available.
Q: Can I visit Tonami as a day trip?
Absolutely, it’s a super easy ride from Toyama or Kanazawa.
Q: Are there food options inside?
Yes, dozens of stalls offer bento, sweets, and Toyama specialties.
🌷 Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Bloom
The 2026 Tonami Tulip Fair is more than flowers. It’s an open-air museum, a cultural event, and a peaceful countryside escape that showcases the pride and beauty of Toyama Prefecture. But be warned, the fair itself is very busy. The surrounding areas are a great cooldown from the busy cities.
If you’re planning your Japan spring itinerary, do yourself a favor, come bask in millions of tulips blooming under the wide blue sky.
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