Japan launches night flower festivals for summer 2026

Japan is promoting cool‑night tourism this summer with two large‑scale night‑time floral events. At Kuju Flower Park in Oita’s Kuju Highlands, the “Night Flower Park Summer – Night Sunflower Field” will run from August 7‑14, 2026, featuring 50,000 sunflowers of two varieties and, for the first time, a light‑up of 5,000 green kochia plants. The park uses LED lighting and photo‑spots to create a “cool night garden” that leverages the area's naturally 3‑5 °C lower evening temperatures.

In Tokyo, the historic Asakusa amusement park Hanayashiki will extend its summer hours from August 1‑23, 2026, under the banner “Summer Night 2026”. Opening hours are lengthened to 21:00, with rides, a beer garden, craft‑beer stalls, food vendors and nightly performances such as comedy and street‑artist shows. Both events aim to offer visitors a respite from daytime heat and to boost regional tourism through evening attractions.