It begins with a quiet turn into a narrow lane edged with fresh spring grass leads to what appears, at first, to be an ordinary hillside in Hokkaido. There is no ticket booth, no commercial sign. Only a hand-painted board and a path that gently winds uphill toward a surprise of color.

As the slope rises, the scene gradually unfolds: a hillside softly carpeted in pink.

This is Mishima-san’s Garden, a private plot tended by a retired farmer in Kutchan. Each spring, it transforms into a living canvas of shibazakura, or moss phlox. From late May to mid-June, the ground blooms in dense clusters of white, pale pink, and vivid fuchsia. Yellow rapeseed flowers line the borders. Beyond them, Mount Yotei, often called the “Fuji of Hokkaido,” stands tall and snow-capped, its symmetry reflected in the wildflowers below.

What began as a quiet personal project has become, over time, a beloved local destination. Families, photographers, and visitors from Sapporo and beyond arrive on cool mornings to walk the garden’s simple paths. Many come not just for the flowers, but for the gesture behind them—the quiet, generous beauty of planting joy for others. In a playful touch, Mr. Mishima has even arranged some of the white phlox to mirror the shape of Mount Yotei, a miniature echo on the hillside.

There is no entrance fee and no fence. A gentle sign simply asks visitors to remain on the paths. And so people walk carefully, speak in hushed voices, take photographs, and depart with a sense of lightness.

Though informal, Mishima-san’s Garden inspires a reverence often felt in sacred places. In the early days of June, it is the mountain, the moss phlox, and the gardener’s quiet devotion that linger in memory.

A Handy Guide for Miru Guests

Distance from our properties:

11 km (approximately 18 minutes by car) from Miru Niseko

8.4 km (approximately 15 minutes by car) from Miru Nozomi Views

15-minute walk from JR Kutchan Station

Parking:
Free parking is available at nearby Wanpaku Park and Asahigaoka Park

Blooming Season:
Shibazakura reach their peak bloom between late May and mid-June. The timing of your visit is essential to experience the garden at its most vivid.

Address:
51 Asahi, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0083

If you plan to visit Mishima-san’s Garden in the morning, we invite you to stop by Miru Niseko for lunch. Beginning May 24 our restaurant, Blackwood Grill reopens for lunch on weekends, offering fresh and tasty burgers that pair beautifully with a morning spent among the flowers.

Make the most of your Niseko getaway by staying at Miru Niseko or Miru Nozomi Views—two unique stays that let you enjoy the region at your own pace. Nestled among pine trees with views of Mt. Yotei, 

Miru Niseko offers a calm, nature-rich retreat ideal for quiet moments and slow mornings. 

Meanwhile, Miru Nozomi Views places you right in the heart of Hirafu, just steps away from the area’s vibrant dining and nightlife. 

Whether you’re looking to unwind or stay close to the action, both locations offer the comfort, design, and warmth that make every season in Niseko unforgettable.

Book through us: Miru Niseko & Miru Nozomi Views

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