The Future is Flora: Journey Through Japan’s Gardens of Tomorrow

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Travel, Blogs, Nature & Wildlife, History & Art
09 Dec 2025
10 mins
Out of Town Blog
Melo Villareal

Author: Melo Villareal

Famed for its remarkable sights, Japan continues to enchant with a unique harmony of nature and technological advancement. This dedication to sustainability is evident in the lush rooftop gardens of bustling cities, solar-paneled buildings, and eco-friendly transportation. Beyond urban life, serene countryside hideaways tempt explorers with relaxing hot springs and ancient cedar groves. No matter […]

Out of Town Blog

The Future is Flora: Journey Through Japan’s Gardens of Tomorrow

Famed for its remarkable sights, Japan continues to enchant with a unique harmony of nature and technological advancement. This dedication to sustainability is evident in the lush rooftop gardens of bustling cities, solar-paneled buildings, and eco-friendly transportation. Beyond urban life, serene countryside hideaways tempt explorers with relaxing hot springs and ancient cedar groves. No matter when you visit, Japan offers spectacular floral displays—from swathes of pink sakura in spring to vibrant chrysanthemums and fiery autumn foliage—transforming the landscape year-round. It’s an ideal destination for those eager to reconnect with nature and discover how tradition and innovation come together to build a greener, more harmonious society.

GREEN×EXPO 2027, which highlights Japan’s commitment to environmental stewardship, is scheduled to take place in Yokohama from March 19 to September 26, 2027. Officially known as the International Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama, the event centers around the theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness,” envisioning a future where humanity, communities, and natural ecosystems flourish together. The venue, Yokohama’s expansive Midori no Hanataba Garden (Garden Necklace Yokohama site), will host a remarkable array of gardens, thematic pavilions, and ecological exhibits from across the globe.

This six-month Expo will not only celebrate horticultural innovation and biodiversity but also emphasize sustainable landscape and urban design practices. International participants and organizations will convene to present the latest advances in green technology and nature-based solutions. A wide variety of activities, workshops, demonstrations, and cultural events will invite attendees to engage with and appreciate the growing significance of green spaces in urban societies.

Beyond simply showcasing the artistry found in plants and landscapes, GREEN×EXPO 2027 places special emphasis on flora as vital “natural capital.” This international event will examine the transformative power of green spaces, revealing how thoughtfully integrated landscaping can rejuvenate urban environments, improve public well-being, and foster deeper environmental stewardship. Attendees will find immersive themed zones, each meticulously designed to spotlight key principles such as co-adaptation, co-existence, co-creation, and co-operation. These zones will span an impressive array of topics—from cutting-edge urban green infrastructure and time-honored agricultural traditions to bold cross-industry innovations and vibrant multicultural exchanges.

Visitors will encounter harmonious blends of lush greenery, traditional Japanese gardening, and modern ecological design—demonstrating how the country’s centuries-old respect for nature is being fused with the latest in technology and sustainability. It’s a truly unique opportunity to witness firsthand how Japan envisions a future where tradition, technological advancement, and ecological balance seamlessly intertwine.

As anticipation builds for GREEN×EXPO 2027, these preview destinations allow visitors to immerse themselves in Japan’s proactive efforts to weave nature-first principles into every facet of daily life, offering a living testament to the nation’s ongoing commitment to creating greener, more sustainable communities.

Farm Tomita, Hokkaido

In Furano, the vast fields of Farm Tomita burst into vibrant color during the blooming season. Expansive rows of fragrant lavender, radiant poppies, and a variety of other seasonal flowers stretch across gently rolling hills, creating a breathtaking patchwork landscape that is among Hokkaido’s most iconic sights. Visitors are drawn not only by the spectacular floral displays but also by the opportunity to stroll among the blooms, enjoy panoramic views, and experience the farm’s signature lavender-based treats, including soft-serve ice cream and soaps.

The farm, established in the early 1900s, is steeped in history and continues to honor the area’s long-standing tradition of sustainable flower cultivation. Through eco-friendly practices, Farm Tomita demonstrates how careful stewardship of the land fosters both ecological harmony and happiness, making it a leading example of responsible agriculture in the region.

Awaji Hanasajiki, Hyogo

Awaji Hanasajiki, perched high above the Akashi Strait on Awaji Island, is a celebrated flower park known for its sweeping panoramic views across Hyogo Prefecture. The park spans over 15 hectares, with flower fields that bloom in succession throughout the year: in spring, brilliant yellow rapeseed flowers paint the hills, while summer brings patches of vivid poppies, snapdragons, and sunflowers.

In autumn, the fields transform into a sea of pink and purple cosmos, creating a striking landscape against the backdrop of the ocean and sky. The site honors Awaji Island’s agricultural roots, illustrating how open land, responsibly cultivated with simple yet effective care, can foster both natural beauty and a sense of community.

Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki

At Huis Ten Bosch, visitors experience a harmonious fusion of classic Dutch garden design and the precise, intentional touch characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship. Rows of bright tulips and lush roses bloom seasonally, complemented by authentic-looking windmills, gently flowing canals, and scenic waterfronts that evoke the Netherlands.

The park emphasizes environmental responsibility through initiatives such as using clean energy, minimizing carbon emissions, and employing sustainable gardening practices, including organic cultivation and water-saving measures. This blend of cultural richness and ecological mindfulness makes Huis Ten Bosch not just a theme park, but also a model for integrating beauty with sustainability.

Yushien, Shimane

Located on Daikon Island, Y?shien Garden is renowned not only for its breathtaking peonies, which bloom in vibrant profusion throughout the spring, but also for its tranquil ponds that reflect the surrounding landscape. Every path and bridge is meticulously designed, blending traditional Japanese horticultural techniques with artistic flair to guide visitors through a harmonious natural setting.

The garden’s careful maintenance involves techniques passed down through generations, supporting both the visual beauty and ecological diversity of the flora and fauna. This thoughtful approach to design and stewardship illustrates how a cultivated landscape can sustain both aesthetic enjoyment and the region’s natural habitat, ensuring a legacy that can be appreciated for years to come.

In Japan, the path toward sustainable tourism is already taking shape. As we look forward to GREEN×EXPO 2027, these destinations offer travelers a glimpse into the future of tourism.