Hokkaido University Botanical Garden

Within walking distance of Sapporo Station lies a forest of about 133,000 square meters, shaded by large Japanese elms. The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden opened in 1886 (Meiji 19) and was created to serve the education of the Sapporo Agricultural College.

It began when William S. Clark, the college's first vice-principal, advised the Hokkaido Colonization Office that a botanical garden was needed for teaching botany and horticulture. Later, Miyabe Kingo, a graduate of the college, drew up the plans and became the first director in 1900. About 4,000 kinds of plants, centered on those of Hokkaido, are grown here, and they serve research and species conservation as well as display.

Walking in, the first things you notice are the trees that feel unmistakably Hokkaido. Paths run beneath big Japanese elms and Yezo mountain cherries, past an avenue of lilacs, a rose garden and a broad lawn. Sections you will not find in many parks include the Canadian Rock Garden of North American alpine plants, the Northern Peoples' Plant Garden, and an experimental garden of trilliums.

Another highlight is the museum area, where Meiji-era buildings survive. The museum's main building (completed 1882) is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and, together with the former office (1901), storehouse (1885), former Sapporo Agricultural College classroom annex toilet (1903) and gatehouse (1911), conveys the look of the Colonization Office era. The main building displays stuffed animals of Hokkaido and earthenware from the Jōmon, post-Jōmon and Satsumon periods, and you can also see the stuffed Sakhalin husky Taro. The Registered Tangible Cultural Properties Batchelor Memorial Hall (1898) and Miyabe Kingo Memorial Hall (1901) are also in the garden.

The garden changes with the seasons. Spring brings alpine plants, autumn brings colored leaves, and in summer the paths are cool and shaded. Peak-season information is updated on the official website, so it is worth checking before you go. Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed walk and a visit to the museum.

The garden is about 10 to 15 minutes on foot from JR and subway Sapporo Station, and there is no parking for visitors. Nearby are the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (the Red Brick Building, about 430 m), the Sapporo Clock Tower (about 910 m) and the Sapporo TV Tower (about 1.2 km), so it fits easily into a stroll around central Sapporo.