For those who want to enjoy nature close to home in Sapporo, the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is the perfect place for you to get healed. It is located in an excellent location, about a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, Sapporo Subway Station, and Odori Station. It is located right next to the Hokkaido Government Office.

The 13.3-hectare site is home to approximately 4,000 species of plants, most of which are native to Hokkaido. It is a bit strange to find such a quiet place rich in nature in a city lined with buildings.

Entering through the main gate, first pick up a leaflet. Let's take a walk around the large park while looking at the flower guide and map. Incidentally, at the time of our visit (May 26, 2022), the lilac trees were at their best.

The handkerchief tree, named for its two white bracts that look like a white handkerchief, is also in full bloom. Also, azaleas can be seen everywhere in the Alpine Botanical Garden and other places, blooming brightly in a variety of colors.

It is a rare sight to see wisteria and azaleas at the same time. You can get a great two-shot like this.

Various buildings are scattered throughout the garden. One of them is the Kingo Miyabe Memorial Museum, which exhibits the belongings of Dr. Kingo Miyabe, the founder and first director of the botanical garden. The oldest lilac in Sapporo is also located in front of the building.

Historical buildings stand side by side in the center of the park. Recommended among them is the green building with a triangular roof, which is the oldest museum in Hokkaido.

Inside the museum, you will find the world's only Ezo wolf and a stuffed specimen of Taro, a Sakhalin dog belonging to the Antarctic research expedition. Looking at these exhibits and other important cultural assets, you will realize that this place called the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is an extraordinary place.

The botanical garden opened in 1886 (Meiji 19). Dr. Kingo Miyabe planned and designed the garden in response to Dr. Clark's suggestion that a botanical garden was necessary for botanical education. It is the second oldest botanical garden in Japan.

After learning about the history of the botanical garden, why not relax and enjoy the various wild birds and cute Ezo squirrels that you can see in the garden? The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is full of things to see and do, and you are sure to find your favorite flowers and plants and a comfortable area to relax.

<北海道大学植物園>
Location: Kita 3-jo 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Contact: 011-221-0066
Official website: https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/fsc/bg/