The Yellow Hill: The Color of Happiness

Back in 2012, Mr. Matsuura, the manager of the Yellow Hill, was thinking about how he could create something to attract people and revitalize the local area. He decided to cultivate an abandoned tangerine orchard and transform it into a flower field.

Seeing the rapeseed flowers that were already growing there, and considering that it was the city flower, that yellow flowers evoke images of happiness, and above all, that yellow is eye-catching, he planted rapeseed flowers throughout the entire area. After two years of preparation, the Yellow Hill was completely covered in rapeseed flowers in the spring of 2015. The "Yellow Hill" of Sareya became famous through word of mouth, and now attracts up to 500 visitors during peak season.

A Resting Place for Migratory Butterflies in Autumn

In autumn, the Yellow Hill is covered in blooming cosmos flowers. They even plant varieties that produce yellow flowers.

Another popular attraction is the large number of migratory butterflies, the Asagi Madara (Danaus chrysippus), that fly in from autumn to winter, traveling over 2,000 km south across the Japanese archipelago. Mr. Matsuura planted Eupatorium fortunei, a flower favored by the Asagi Madara, hoping to attract them, and it was a great success. Since their first arrival in 2016, they have been observed every year, making it a popular photography spot for butterfly enthusiasts.

When asked if there were any other recommended spots, he pointed out a spectacular sunset viewing spot in the mountains. From the rest area on the hill, looking towards Futami Town, there's a place where you can see a small glimpse of the Iyo Sea between the mountains. Apparently, for only five days in late February and late October, you can see the sunset over this small stretch of sea.

Of course, it depends on the weather, so those who witness this sight are truly fortunate.

The Stage and Rest Area are Full of Handmade Charm

The Yellow Hill also hosts many handmade events, including a rapeseed flower festival, an Iyo Mimosa festival, a plum harvest festival, outdoor concerts, firefly viewing events, and stargazing events. All of these events are filled with the desire to make visitors happy and encourage them to come again (for more details on events, please see our Facebook page).

Currently, they offer lunch (reservations required) at the farm restaurant "Saremon Chaya" on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in March, when the rapeseed blossoms are in full bloom, and in October, when the chestnut tiger butterflies arrive. However, they also hope to hold events similar to a local market in the future, where visitors can enjoy meals and purchase local products.

Ms. Matsuura says that the smiles of the visitors are her source of power. While the lack of successors is a cause for concern, she was sowing new flower seeds to make the yellow hill an even more wonderful place.