Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens, University botanical garden in Sapporo, Japan.
Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens is a 13.3-hectare garden in Sapporo that houses over 4,000 plant species, including alpine plants and wild plants native to Hokkaido, alongside a tropical greenhouse. The grounds feature both outdoor areas and indoor spaces where visitors can explore the botanical diversity of the region.
The gardens were founded in 1886 as part of the Old Sapporo Agricultural College and are the second oldest of their kind in Japan. This connection to agricultural education shaped their development and focus on regional plant research.
The Natural History Museum within the grounds displays objects from the Ainu people, discoveries from the region, and biological collections that document the rich heritage of Hokkaido.
The gardens are located about ten minutes on foot from Sapporo Station, making it easy for visitors to reach. The best visiting conditions vary by season, with outdoor areas accessible in warmer months and the greenhouse available year-round.
The gardens preserve one of the oldest lilac trees in Sapporo, drawing visitors with its long history. Japanese elm specimens in the collection similarly reflect the original landscape before the city's expansion.
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