Nabana no Sato (Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Nabana no Sato (Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture) is a large flower park where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons, and is known nationwide, especially for its winter illuminations. The plants in the park are changed with the seasons, and you can enjoy a diverse floral landscape throughout the year, including tulips, cosmos, roses, and hydrangeas. The winter illuminations have many highlights, such as themed displays, light tunnels, and reflections in the pond, and are gaining popularity as "one of the largest in Japan" and "a must-see winter event."

Highlights

• Illuminations (winter)The entire park is beautifully decorated with colorful lights. There are many photogenic spots, such as a tunnel of light, a large-scale main production, and a show that is synchronized with music.
• Seasonal flower fields: Flowers that change with the seasons, such as tulips in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, dahlias and cosmos from summer to autumn, and roses in autumn. There is also a greenhouse displaying flowers from the warm season.
• Scenery of the Japanese garden and pond within the parkThe gardens and waterfront scenery are well-maintained, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
• Gourmet and souvenirsThere are restaurants using local ingredients, snacks, and shops selling local specialties, so you can enjoy a meal in between cherry blossom viewing and illumination viewing.
• Photo SpotThe combination of seasonal flowers and light makes for many photo opportunities, and is popular among camera enthusiasts.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train + Bus/Taxi: There are several options for the nearest station. If you are coming from Nagoya, JR/Kintetsu Kuwana Station and Kintetsu Nagashima Station are convenient. From the station, it is common to take a local bus or taxi. During the period (especially during the illumination period), special shuttle buses may operate, so please check the official website for the latest timetable.
• car: Accessible via the Tomei-Meihan Expressway and the Isewangan Expressway. Parking is available within the park (fees apply), making it convenient to visit by car. Traffic jams can occur on weekends and during illumination periods, so please leave with plenty of time.
• Access around the area: It is close to Nagashima Onsen (Yuami no Shima) and Jazz Dream Nagashima (Outlet), and many people combine their visits with these.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Daytime flower viewing: It takes about 2-3 hours to walk around the park at a leisurely pace and take photos.
• Illumination viewing (night)：If you want to see all the highlights after the lights are on, it will take about 3 hours (including travel and meal time). Please allow extra time as there may be delays in waiting to enter and walking, especially during busy periods.
• Half-day to full-day course: If you plan to combine your trip with the nearby Nagashima Onsen or outlet mall, we recommend the full-day plan.

Nearby spots

• Nagashima Onsen (Yuami Island): A hot spring facility where you can relax after a day of sightseeing. Located close to Nabana no Sato.
• Jazz Dream Nagashima (Outlet Mall): A large outlet where you can enjoy shopping and eating and drinking. Popular with families.
• Nagashima Spa Land (Amusement Park): A large amusement park with a variety of attractions, from thrilling rides to those for children.
• Historical sites and tourist spots around Kuwana City: It would also be a good idea to try local cuisine (clam dishes, etc.) and visit historical spots.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: During the illumination period, the park will be extremely crowded, especially on weekends, the New Year's holiday, and long weekends. You may have to wait in line to get in and for parking, so we recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday. For a smoother experience, it's a good idea to purchase official advance tickets.
• Clothes/cold protection: It gets cold at night. When viewing winter illuminations, be sure to take precautions against the cold (gloves, scarves, warm shoes, etc.). It's also a good idea to bring rain gear.
• Photo Shooting Etiquette: There are some areas where flash photography and the use of tripods are restricted. Please be considerate to other visitors.
• Pets/Bringing them in: There may be restrictions on pets allowed in the park. If you are planning to bring your pet with you, please check the official information in advance.
• Check facility information: Opening hours, fees, and event periods (such as the start and end times of illuminations) vary depending on the season and year. Please check the official website or social media for the latest information before visiting.
• Safety/epidemic prevention: Be careful not to fall or get lost during busy times. Please follow the latest health and infection prevention instructions.

This is the basic information about Nabana no Sato. You can enjoy your visit more comfortably by planning your time, clothing, and transportation based on your purpose for visiting (flower viewing, photography, illumination viewing). Please check the official website for the latest information on specific access times, admission fees, and how crowded the area will be on the day.