Tokachi is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy beautiful gardens. The region forms the heart of the Hokkaido Garden Path, a scenic route linking some of the island’s finest gardens, which burst into colour from late spring through autumn. Most are private gardens with a seasonal opening period and an admission charge, so it is worth planning a route in advance.
Tokachi Millennium Forest
Designed in part by the acclaimed British garden designer Dan Pearson, the Tokachi Millennium Forest is an award-winning landscape of meadow, forest, and farm gardens conceived to evolve over a thousand years. It is a must for garden lovers.
Location: Shimizu Town. Season: roughly mid-April to mid-October (about 18 Apr–12 Oct in 2026). A car is the easiest way to arrive; there is on-site parking and a café.
Manabe Garden
Manabe Garden in Obihiro is Japan’s first conifer garden — a green, shady landscape of evergreens with Japanese, European, and natural-style sections, plus a stream and koi ponds.
Location: Obihiro. Season: late April to late November (about 25 Apr–23 Nov in 2026), open 8:30–17:30 (last entry 17:00; shorter hours in October and November).
Shichiku Garden
Shichiku Garden is a sprawling flower garden that a local farmer, Shichiku Kayo, began cultivating from scratch — today it spreads across some 15 hectares of colourful beds and meadow paths.
Location: Obihiro. Season: third Saturday of April to late October, open 8:00–17:00 with no closed days. Admission: around ¥1,000 for adults (cash only).
Tokachi Hills
Set on a hillside with wide views over the plain, Tokachi Hills combines flower gardens with a farm-to-table restaurant, making it a relaxing half-day stop.
Location: Makubetsu. Seasonal opening from spring through autumn; check the official site for current hours before visiting.
Planning your garden visit
- The gardens open seasonally — broadly late April/May to October — and close in winter.
- Each private garden charges its own admission (commonly around ¥1,000); bring cash, as some do not accept cards.
- They are spread across Tokachi, so a rental car lets you link two or three in a day.
- June to September gives the fullest blooms; autumn adds warm foliage tones.
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