Handayama Botanical Garden

What it is

• A hillside botanical garden opened in 1964 covering 110,000 square meters.
• Home to approximately 3,200 species and 150,000 individual plants.
• A designated museum-equivalent facility originally managed by the local waterworks bureau.
• Site of the Ipponmatsu Kofun, a burial mound dating back to the fifth century.

What to see

• Six historic waterworks facilities designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
• A collection of 1,000 peonies donated by the city of Luoyang in 1988.
• Extensive seasonal displays including cherry blossoms and various botanical collections.

When to go

• Open daily except for Tuesdays and the New Year holiday period.
• Visit during the annual cherry blossom festival for special night viewing events.

Getting there

• The garden is a 15-minute walk from JR Hokaiin Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.