Tonami City: Tulip Shikisai-kan's Halloween Takeover This October! Final Days Before Temporary Closure.

In October, the Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan in Tonami City is adorned with Halloween decorations, creating a fun atmosphere that's distinct from its usual tulip beauty. This period, just before the annual closure, is also the last chance to enjoy the special decorations and events lovingly prepared by the staff. Surrounded by decorations featuring Halloween colors of orange and black, this special time at Shikisai-kan allows visitors to rediscover the charm of tulips and offers an appealing spot for unforgettable autumn memories.

Basic Information and Annual Schedule for Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan

The Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan is Japan's only specialized tulip facility, where visitors can experience the culture and beauty of tulips, a source of pride for Tonami City worldwide, throughout the year. While the annual Tonami Tulip Fair in spring attracts the largest number of visitors, the gallery continues to host various seasonal exhibitions and events afterwards. The facility typically closes from early November until late March of the following year, during which preparations for the Tulip Fair and facility maintenance are carried out. October is a valuable period just before the closure, often featuring special decorations and projects that can only be seen at this time, attracting many repeat visitors. Inside the gallery, permanent exhibitions allow visitors to learn in detail about the history of tulips, the process of variety improvement, and cultivation techniques, helping them understand why Tonami City is called the "City of Tulips." Additionally, live tulip displays are held seasonally, allowing visitors to admire beautiful greenhouse-grown tulips even in October.

The Charm of Halloween Decorations and Special Events

In October, the entire Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan transforms into a festive Halloween wonderland, adorned with decorations that create a completely different, cheerful atmosphere from its usual appearance. Halloween items like orange pumpkins, black spiderwebs, witch hats, and bats harmonize beautifully with the tulip displays, creating a unique space. Giant pumpkin sculptures and photo spots are particularly popular with children, and many families can be seen enjoying commemorative photos. During this period, special events such as a "Halloween Stamp Rally" and "Costume Contest" are held, offering a plethora of fun, participatory activities for visitors. Additionally, limited-edition Halloween souvenirs and goods are available for purchase, providing unique mementos distinct from the regular tulip merchandise. The in-house café also offers seasonal orange-themed sweets and drinks, allowing visitors to enjoy Halloween both visually and tastefully. The decorations extend beyond the interior to the outdoor garden areas, ensuring that the Halloween atmosphere can be enjoyed outside as well.

The Special Atmosphere Before Closure and Community Ties

The period just before the annual closure, from late October to early November, holds special significance for the Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan. During this time, special events and services are often offered as a token of gratitude for the year, making them unmissable for regular visitors and local residents. On the last weekend before the closure, staff-led special guided tours and rare behind-the-scenes tours may also be conducted. Furthermore, many collaborative events with local schools and organizations are held, with heartwarming sights of children visiting the gallery in Halloween costumes. For the citizens of Tonami, the Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan is not merely a tourist attraction but a symbol of local pride and cultural identity, so many citizens visit before the closure with the sentiment of "until next year." Moreover, this period offers a valuable opportunity to glimpse a part of the preparations for next year's Tulip Fair, allowing visitors to see seldom-seen activities such as bulb planting and the preparation of new varieties.

In October, the Tulip Gallery Shikisai-kan becomes a special space where fun Halloween decorations merge with the beauty of tulips. This period, just before the annual closure, offers a unique atmosphere that can only be experienced at this time, along with the precious opportunity to feel the warm sentiments of the local community. When visiting Tonami City, be sure to enjoy the charm of both Halloween and tulips at Shikisai-kan during this special season.