If you want to enjoy nature close to home in Sapporo, why not try the relaxing Hokkaido University Botanical Garden? It is conveniently located, about a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, Sapporo Station on the subway, and Odori Station. It is located right next to the Hokkaido Prefectural Government Office.

The garden covers an area of 13.3 hectares and is home to around 4,000 different kinds of plants, mainly native to Hokkaido. It's a little strange to think that such a quiet place surrounded by nature can be found in the middle of a city lined with buildings.

Enter through the main gate and pick up a leaflet. Stroll through the large garden while checking out the flower calendar and map. By the way, at the time of the interview (May 26, 2022), the lilac trees were about to reach their peak.

The handkerchief tree, named after its two bracts that look like white handkerchiefs, is in full bloom. Azaleas can also be seen everywhere, including in the alpine botanical garden, and are blooming in a variety of vibrant colors.

It may be a rare sight to see wisteria and azaleas together. You can take a lovely photo of them together like this.

There are various buildings scattered throughout the garden. One of them is the Miyabe Kingo Memorial Museum, which displays the belongings of Dr. Miyabe Kingo, the founder and first director of the botanical garden. In front of the building, you can also see the oldest lilac in Sapporo.

There are many historical buildings in the center of the park. The most recommended one is the green building with a triangular roof, which is the oldest museum in Hokkaido.

Inside the museum, you can see the world's only Hokkaido wolf and the stuffed specimen of Taro, a Sakhalin dog from the Antarctic Research Expedition. When you look at these exhibits and the many important cultural properties in the surrounding area, you will realize that Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is an extraordinary place.

This botanical garden opened in 1886 (Meiji 19). After Dr. Clark suggested that "a botanical garden is necessary for botany education," Dr. Miyabe Kingo planned and designed it. It is said to be the second oldest botanical garden in Japan.

After learning about history, why not relax and enjoy the various wild birds and cute Hokkaido squirrels you can encounter in the garden? The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is full of things to see, so you're sure to find your favorite flowers and cozy areas.

<Hokkaido University Botanical Garden> Location: Kita 3-jo 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Contact: 011-221-0066 Official website: https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/fsc/bg/