2-Week Spring Flower Road Trip in Japan

Begin your journey by collecting your campervan rental Tokyo pick-up in Chiba. This is a great time to stock up on groceries, fuel, and road-trip essentials before heading toward Hitachi Seaside Park, one of Japan’s most photogenic flower destinations. During your time here, you can enjoy:

• Early spring daffodils and tulips (from late March to early April)
• Nemophila “baby blue eyes” starting mid-April on Miharashi Hill
• Cycling paths and wide lawns that are perfect for slow morning walks

There are also some excellent attractions to enjoy nearby, including the stunning Ajigaura Beach. This pristine stretch of coastline is great for a beach walk and, if you time it right, a gorgeous sunrise. After your walk, you can head to the Ajigaura Onsen Nozomi for a relaxing soak.

For RV camping, the Nikkawahama Auto Campground is nearby, fully equipped and family-friendly.

You can spend your second day exploring more of the park or visiting nearby coastal markets before heading south the next morning.

From Ibaraki, you can now drive inland to one of Japan’s most famous flower showcases: Ashikaga Flower Park. This iconic park is best known for its breathtaking wisteria tunnels that appear from mid-April to early May. If you’re here from late March to April, you will be able to enjoy:

• Pale pink cherry blossoms and colourful tulips
• Early wisteria varieties beginning to bloom

There are some great attractions for you to experience during your time here. For history buffs and romantics, the Ashikaga Orihime shrine is a beautiful piece of Japanese culture to visit. This shrine, which originally dates back to 1705, is dedicated to the god of weaving and matchmaking.

There is also the Kurita Museum of Art, which has a stunning collection of fine porcelain. For overnight stays, Mibu Highway Park at Michi-no-Eki Mibu is well-equipped and slightly south of Tochigi.

You can spend a full day in the park, especially if early wisteria blooms have begun. It tends to be a quiet, less crowded time compared to peak season, so enjoy it!

After enjoying Tochigi, you can make your way toward central Japan, stopping in Nagoya for sightseeing before continuing to Nabana no Sato.

This time of year is perfect for visiting Nabana no Sato, as the verdant seasonal flower gardens will be in full bloom. You can expect to see gardens with tulips, pansies and begonias in full colour. You’ll even have a chance to visit Japan’s largest begonia garden greenhouse, which boasts over 12,000 plants.

There are also plenty of attractions to enjoy during your time in this part of Japan. If you’re looking to relax and explore, then the Nagashima Spa Land amusement park & onsen complex is a must-visit. Or, if you just want to rest up, the Nabana no Sato Onsen Sato-no-Yu is the perfect destination.

For overnight stays, My Camp in Kuwana is fully stocked with amenities for RV camping. From here, you can spend the morning exploring Nagoya Castle or Osu Shopping District before enjoying the evening illuminations at Nabana no Sato, which run until May 31st.

From here, you can continue your journey from Mie westward to the Sea of Japan side. Here, Tottori Prefectural Flower Park sprawls across a circular valley with a spectacular greenhouse dome at its centre. This is a true gem for nature lovers, with beautiful orchid displays, tulip fields (in April) and panoramic walking paths around the park to enjoy.

Tottori is a city with lots to offer RV travellers. The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s only large dune system and an excellent place to explore if the weather is nice. For someone a bit more obscure, the Sand Museum is a surprisingly beautiful attraction that’s well worth visiting.

When it comes to pitching up for the night, RV Park Tottori is in a great location and has some excellent amenities. In the morning, you can spend Day 8 exploring Mount Daisen, a stunning volcanic peak with beginner-friendly hikes in spring.

Cross the Kanmon Strait into Kyushu and head toward the highland plateau of Kuju Flower Park, one of Japan’s largest open-air floral landscapes, which is open from March 31st to November 30th. You can take your time exploring this beautiful park, which boasts:

• 3 million flowers blooming from March onward
• Tulips, poppies, pansies, and early lavender
• Mountain backdrops of the Kuju Range

If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, then there are plenty of top-tier hiking trails across the Kuju Mountains. Or, if you want to experience a more relaxed Japan, the Kurokawa Onsen is truly magical.

For overnight camping, the Kuju Flower Park Auto Campsite has all you need for a relaxing stay. You can use Day 10 to slow down a little. Enjoy a morning hike or drive the scenic Yamanami Highway before relaxing in a Kyushu onsen.

Now it’s time to start returning northward, with a few scenic stops along the way. From Kuju, drive towards Beppu, home to the iconic Beppu Hells. The city is rich with natural hot springs, giving you another opportunity to soak in a beautiful onsen.

For overnight camping, the Grand Verde Resort Campgrounds are nearby and cater to RV camping. There are also various coastal RV parks to choose from. After your overnight stay, continue toward Hiroshima the next morning.

<h2>Day 12: Hiroshima to Okayama Korakuen Garden</h2>

From Hiroshima, continue your drive to Okayama and consider stopping off at Korakuen. This is one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens and offers some verdant beauty all year long. Highlights include:

• Plum blossoms (from late February to March)
• Cherry blossoms (from late March to early April)
• Stunning riverside castle scenery

Nearby camping is available at Osayama Auto Camping Ground, with Yubara Onsen reachable on your route north.

From Hiroshima, continue your drive to Okayama and consider stopping off at Korakuen. This is one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens and offers some verdant beauty all year long. Highlights include:

• Plum blossoms (from late February to March)
• Cherry blossoms (from late March to early April)
• Stunning riverside castle scenery

Nearby camping is available at Osayama Auto Camping Ground, with Yubara Onsen reachable on your route north.

Your return trip doesn’t need to be boring. Consider breaking up the long return journey with a few scenic stops. These might include:

• Lake Biwa, where you can enjoy the spring flowers and wetlands
• Hikone Castle, which boasts rich culture and the prospect of beautiful cherry blossoms

If you’re looking for somewhere nice to stay for the night, then the Maiamihama Auto Campground is ideal for lakeside camping. Here, you can spend your evening strolling around the castle town or enjoying a local bathho

Now, it’s time to make the final leg of your journey back to Chiba. Remember to stop at the occasional roadside stations for souvenirs and fresh produce. Return your motorhome Tokyo–Chiba rental and enjoy a final evening exploring coastal Chiba, such as Inage Seaside Park or Narita Temple.

This two-week spring flower road trip offers an unforgettable blend of floral wonders, scenic countryside drives, and rejuvenating hot-spring stops. Travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to follow the blooms at your own pace while staying close to nature every night. So, start planning your RV adventure across Japan today and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Check out some of our recommended Itinerary here:

• See Our Enjoying Sakura By a Campervan Road Trip
• See Our Seasonal Places to Visit in Japan: Spring and Summer
• See Our Best Cherry Blossom Road Trips by a Campervan

Looking for more? Find a huge range of different routes and road trip itineraries across Japan.