Temiya Park, Botanical garden and city park in Otaru, Japan
Temiya Park is an urban botanical garden and park that unfolds across gentle hills with pathways connecting different areas and offering views of Otaru Bay. The grounds contain numerous plant species organized in distinct sections that reflect both traditional and modern garden design principles.
The park was established in 1900 as one of the first public recreational spaces in Otaru during Hokkaido's period of rapid modernization. Its creation marked an important moment when the city was transforming from a small port settlement into a growing urban center.
The park serves as a gathering place where locals celebrate the arrival of cherry blossoms each spring, making it a focal point for community gatherings throughout the year. This tradition connects residents to the changing seasons and remains part of daily life in the city.
The park can be reached on foot from Otaru Station on the Hakodate Main Line with the entrance located in the Temiya district. The pathways throughout are well-marked and accessible to visitors of different mobility levels, though some inclines exist where the terrain rises.
The grounds blend elements of a traditional Japanese garden with Western botanical garden principles, reflecting the dual cultural influences that shaped Otaru's development. This blend is visible in both the plant arrangement and design styles that coexist throughout the space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
