1. What is the Sakuyazawa district of Yamanobe Town?

The Sakuyazawa district is located in the western part of Yamanobe Town, Yamagata Prefecture.

Located in a naturally rich area surrounded by mountains, and blessed with abundant spring water, it is also known as the “Village of Spring Water.”

Residents also cultivate wasabi using spring water, and soba noodles made with this clear water are popular.

People come to visit not only from within the prefecture, but also from outside Yamagata.

Sakuyazawa is also an ideal environment for growing flowers.

Especially during the summer months, nighttime temperatures drop significantly, allowing plants to get plenty of rest.

This region offers a comfortable environment for both flowers and people.

2. What is Sakuhana?

Mr. Watanabe, who runs Sakuhana, is a flower farmer who cultivates flowers in Sakuyazawa.

Currently, they cultivate seasonal flowers, primarily the local brand flower Sanguisorba officinalis, and ship them to flower markets.

They carefully cultivate each and every flower, making the most of the natural environment of Sakuyazawa.

In addition to shipping, they also actively hold experience-focused events and workshops to help people feel closer to flowers.

3. Key Features

① Cultivating the brand flower Sagariko from Sakuyazawa

Sakuyazawa is known as a production area for Sanguisorba officinalis.

Sakuhana also cultivates Sanguisorba officinalis as its main crop and ships it to markets throughout Japan.

Sanguisorba officinalis is a flower that represents autumn, and it is highly popular due to its unique appearance and texture.

The ones grown in the climate and abundant water of Sakuyazawa are said to be highly regarded by many people in the flower industry.

Some varieties are cultivated only here in the entire country.

The landscape of Japanese burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) spreading across the fields in autumn is one of the most representative sights of Sakuyazawa.

② Multi-crop cultivation: Growing over 200 varieties of flowers

At Sakuhana, they cultivate not only Sanguisorba officinalis but also over 200 other varieties of flowers and plants.

Originally, they mainly cultivate Sanguisorba officinalis, but they also gradually increased the variety of other flowers as they wanted to provide flowers in seasons other than autumn.

Currently, they cultivate many rare varieties that are not commonly found in flower shops, and are known as a flower farm that grows a wide variety of flowers.

One of the unique charms of sakuhana is the opportunity to enjoy encountering rare flowers.

③ Experience-focused events to help people learn about flowers

At sakuhana, they regularly hold experience-focused events to help people feel closer to flowers.

They also hold events where people can actually enter flower fields, touch the flowers, and smell their fragrances, as well as flower sales events.

4. Regarding the next flower garden workshop

One of the popular events that Sakuhana holds every year is the Flower Garden Workshop.

Normally, this field is used for shipping flowers, but on this day it is specially opened to the public.

Participants can actually enter the flower field, choose their favorite flowers from among the colorful blooms, and pick them with their own hands.

On the day of the event, Ms. Watanabe from Sakuhana will introduce the characteristics and cultivation methods of the flowers they grow. You can hear about not only flowers you see in flower shops, but also rare varieties that you don’t often come across.

Since you can harvest dozens of flowers, deciding which ones to combine is part of the fun.

Being surrounded by the fragrance of flowers and taking the time to create your own unique flower arrangement is an experience only a flower field can offer.

The harvested flowers will be transformed into one-of-a-kind original bouquets under the guidance of a florist.

I pick flowers in a flower field and tie them into a bouquet with my own hands.

The opportunity to see flowers before they become a marketable product is a unique charm of events hosted by flower farmers.

Furthermore, this experience is so popular that some participants travel all the way from the Kanto region just to participate, and there are apparently many repeat visitors who look forward to it every year.

While it’s usually held in September, this year it’s scheduled to be held twice, in late June and again in September.

June offers the beauty of early summer flowers, while September boasts autumn blossoms such as Sanguisorba officinalis, making each month uniquely charming.

Many people participate alone, and it’s a great opportunity for flower lovers, as well as those who aren’t particularly knowledgeable about flowers but are interested.

*The above is an example of a bouquet of wildflowers from late May.

In the tranquil scenery of the countryside, you can touch flowers, learn about them, and arrange them in bouquets.

Why not spend a special day like that?

5. Summary

Wildflowers grow in Sakuyazawa, surrounded by abundant spring water and nature.

At Sakuhana, they cultivate a wide variety of flowers, from the regional brand flower Sanguisorba officinalis to rare wildflowers.

In order to let more people know about the charm of horticulture, they also conduct activities such as flower field workshops.

It’s not just about “buying” flowers, but also about “touching,” “learning about,” and “enjoying” them.

That kind of experience is what makes Sakuhana so appealing.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out the latest information on their social media.