Complete Guide to Hokkaido University Botanical Garden! Recommended Hidden Spots in Sapporo
Are you planning a trip to Sapporo? If you are looking for a special place where you can enjoy nature and history together, away from the usual tourist spots, I recommend the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden (北海道大学植物園). It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Japan, and you can experience Hokkaido's nature and history at a glance, along with beautiful gardens.
1. Overview of Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
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| Interior view of Hokkaido University Botanical Garden |
📍 Address: 8-chome, Kita 3-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
⏰ Operating hours: April - mid-November (closed in winter) / 9:00 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
💰 Admission: Adults 420 yen, Children 300 yen (subject to change)
🎒 Amenities: Carrier and large luggage storage available at the
entrance
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| Hokkaido University Botanical Garden entrance ticket vending machine and locker |
TIP: The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is located in the heart of Sapporo, making it an ideal location for exploring various tourist attractions on foot.
2. The charm of Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
🌿 A botanical garden that captures the nature of Hokkaido
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Opened in 1886, the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is home to over 4,000 different types of plants, including many rare plants that can only be found in Hokkaido. It is especially popular with nature-loving travelers, and is a healing spot where you can leisurely enjoy nature in the city.
📸 Different beauty in each season
✔ Spring(April~May): The season when
cherry blossoms and tulips are in full bloom, making it a great photo spot.
✔ Summer(June - August): A
great time to take a walk in the cool breeze in a green garden.
✔
Autumn(September - October):
The autumn foliage is at its peak, and it is a great place to enjoy the autumn
atmosphere of Hokkaido.
✔
Winter(Mid-November - March):
Closed during the winter season, but you may be able to see the special
scenery of the snow-covered garden.
TIP: You can enjoy different scenery depending on the time of your visit, so you can feel different charms each season.
🦊 If you're lucky, you might even see a Hokkaido arctic fox!
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| Autumn scenery and Arctic foxes at Hokkaido University Botanical Garden |
In the Hokkaido region, you can occasionally encounter **wild arctic foxes (kitaki tsune)**. They are loved by many travelers for their cute appearance, but since they are wild animals, it is important not to approach them or feed them. Observe them from a distance and enjoy their natural appearance!
🏛 A museum filled with Hokkaido's history and culture
Inside the botanical garden, there is a small museum that gives a glimpse into the pioneering era of Hokkaido. Ainu culture and materials from the pioneering era are on display, allowing you to experience the historical value of Hokkaido firsthand. This is a place highly recommended for those who love history and culture.
3. Tips for visiting Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
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| Autumn at Hokkaido University Botanical Garden |
📅 Best time to visit
The best times to enjoy the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden are spring and fall.
- Cherry Blossom Season (April-May): A great time to take pictures while appreciating the gorgeous spring flowers.
- Fall Foliage Season (Early to Mid-October): Enjoy the autumnal mood while walking through the garden covered in colorful fall foliage.
🏙 Visit nearby tourist attractions
The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is located in the heart of Sapporo, making it a great place to visit nearby attractions.
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Hokkaido University Campus (10 min walk) 🌳
A famous attraction with a wide campus and ginkgo tree-lined street -
Odori Park (15 min walk) 🌸
A park that runs through the center of Sapporo, where the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in winter. -
Sapporo Clock Tower (10 min walk) 🏛️
One of the oldest wooden clock towers in Japan -
Hokkaido Former Main Office Building (5 min walk) 🏠
A landmark in Hokkaido famous for its red brick buildings
TIP: If you enjoy the half-day course along with the surrounding tourist attractions, your trip will be even more fulfilling!
🚆 How to use public transportation
✔
About 10 minutes walk from Sapporo Station
✔
10-minute walk from Odori Station on the Nanboku Line and Tozai
Line
TIP: It is conveniently located near Sapporo Station and can be easily accessed by public transportation.
4. Review of a visit to Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
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| Entrance to Hokkaido University Botanical Garden |
📌 Summary of Visitor Reviews
✔ Healing in a quiet and secluded atmosphere
✔ The beauty of the garden, with its variety of rare plants and seasonal changes
✔ An attractive place to enjoy nature in the city
5. Conclusion - Must-visit attractions when traveling to Sapporo!
The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is not just a simple botanical garden; it is a special space where you can experience Hokkaido's beautiful nature and deep history all in one place.
If you are visiting Sapporo, spend some leisurely time at the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy nature in the city! 😊
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