5 Gardens in Hokkaidō worth your time
Japan Gems
Hokkaidō prefecture offers a variety of gardens, from the floral displays of Shikisai-no-oka to the natural beauty of Kaze no Garden. These five gardens provide diverse experiences for visitors to the region.
Hokkaidō has 5 gardens on Japan Gems. Below are the 5 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all gardens in Hokkaidō.
01
Rokka no Mori
HOKKAIDō · GARDEN 六花の森
Rokka no Mori is a garden and art installation, worth visiting for its unique blend of nature and art.
What it is
- Garden installation with natural and artificial elements.
- Created by Oda Yutaka, former president of Rokkatei confectioners.
- Re-creation of Rokkatei's famous wrapping paper.
- Open from late April to early November.
What to see
- Trees and flowers used as design and art pieces.
- Metallic sculpture by Bando Yu, inspired by The Thinker.
- Sculptures of wild animals by Aoki Sanshiro.
- Old country house from Croatia at the entrance.
- Nearly a dozen rustic homes from Croatia, now art galleries.
- Galleries devoted to naturalist art of Sakamoto.
When to go
- Mid-morning to late afternoon.
- Every day between late April and early November.
- Official site
- www.rokkatei.co.jp
02
Kaze no Garden
HOKKAIDō · GARDEN 風のガーデン
This garden, designed for a TV drama, offers 450 flower varieties and a rustic English country garden feel.
What it is
- Garden created as a set for a 2008 TV drama.
- Designed by Ueno Sayuki of Ueno Farm.
- Part of the Prince Grand Resort Furano complex.
What to see
- English country garden design with flowering arches, trees, benches.
- House that served as a residence in the TV show.
- Rose Garden with two original rose varieties.
- Area with Hokkaido wildflowers and grasses.
- Small pen with goats.
- Tiny pond with hundreds of dragonflies.
When to go
- Open daily from late April to mid-October.
- Open from morning to evening.
Getting there
- Visitors are driven between the hotel and garden entrance.
- Official site
- www.princehotels.co.jp
03
Shichiku Garden
HOKKAIDō · GARDEN 紫竹ガーデン
Shichiku Garden is a flower garden created by one woman, known for its seasonal blooms and breakfast buffet.
What it is
- A garden created by Grandma Shichiku, started when she was 63.
- It is a flowering oasis on an abandoned farm.
- Grandma Shichiku is admired by gardening fans across Japan.
What to see
- Almost 2500 floral varieties blooming seasonally.
- Sections with wildflowers, roses, and border plants.
- Garden boundaries are indistinct, like an Impressionist painting.
- Grandma Shichiku herself, often in the garden or cafe.
When to go
- Mid-April to the beginning of November.
- Every day from early morning to evening.
04
Kōsetsu-en
HOKKAIDō · GARDEN 香雪園
Kōsetsu-en is a historic garden in Hakodate, offering diverse landscapes and scenic beauty.
What it is
- A garden in Hakodate, Hokkaido, created around 1898.
- Built by Minejiro Iwafune, opened to citizens in 1927.
- Name means "garden where plum blossoms smell in the snow."
- Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2001.
What to see
- Over 13 hectares within Mihara Park.
- Japanese-style garden area with a pond.
- Stream garden area with waterfalls.
- Western-style greenhouse garden area.
05
Shikisai-no-oka
HOKKAIDō · GARDEN 四季彩の丘
Shikisai-no-oka is a vast flower garden in Hokkaido, offering beautiful seasonal blooms.
What it is
- A tourist attraction in Biei Town, Hokkaido.
- Formal name: Observation Flower Garden Shikisai-no-oka.
- Covers 7 hectares of land.
What to see
- About 30 types of flowers bloom annually.
- Direct sales store for agricultural products.
- Souvenir shop and a restaurant.
- Tractor buses and rental buggies.
When to go
- Opening hours vary by month.
- Official site
- www.shikisainooka.jp