Takinoue (Painted Pink with Shibazakura flower fields), Hokkaido, Japan

Takinoue  is a town located in Monbetsu District, Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan with total area of  766.89 km².

In the Ainu language, the Takinoue area is called Ponkamuikotan which roughly translates to "Village of the Small Gods." The name Takinoue, which literally means "Above the Waterfall," originates from the first Japanese settlers who founded the city upstream from a waterfall.

Takinoue is famous for its mint production and produces 95% of the mint available in Japan. Currently there is about 10 hectors (25 acres) of land dedicated to mint farming.

Takinoue Park is famous for Shibazakura or Pink Moss. The 10,000 m² park attracts thousands of visitors every year between May and June when the flowers are in full bloom. Takinoue is surrounded on three sides by mountains. It shares the fourth side with Monbetsu City.

long the walkway, you can stop at the view post to admire all of the flowers, including some tulips; but for flower aficionados, this might be a little strange.   On Honshu, flowers bloom by type according to the season but in Hokkaido, they seem to all bloom at the same time.  This flower collaboration makes for a really enjoyable view.

Usually Shibazakura have only five petals, but if you’re somehow able to find one with six or more petals, it’s good luck!  For those hoping for a little luck, you might have fun searching for some of these “lucky” flowers.