Guide
Tajima Kogen Botanical Garden is a municipal botanical garden located in Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture. Situated at an altitude of 680 meters, it is part of the Hino-yama Atago-yama Nagisa National Park and operates with a strong focus on nature conservation. Out of its total 17-hectare area, 10 hectares consist of strictly protected natural forest, while the remaining 7 hectares are developed to harmonize with the natural environment. The garden occupies a unique geographical position that serves as the northern limit for southern plant species and the southern limit for northern plant species, as well as the lower limit for alpine plants and the upper limit for lowland plants. This creates a diverse ecosystem centered around wetlands formed by abundant spring water, hosting over 2,000 species of native plants.
Established on June 15, 1997, the garden is dedicated to the preservation of nature. The environment is sustained by a massive flow of spring water reaching 5,000 tons per day, maintaining a unique wetland ecosystem. Due to its exceptional natural richness, the garden has received the 'Heisei Hand-made Local Award.' A significant cultural highlight is the 'Great Katsura of Waike,' a natural monument designated by Hyogo Prefecture, which stands as a living testament to history with a lifespan exceeding 1,000 years. The garden continues to promote the cultural value of local natural resources through ongoing conservation efforts.
The garden features several spots that showcase the beauty of natural formations. First, the iconic 'Great Katsura of Waike' features a trunk diameter of approximately 3 meters, surrounded by a historic grove of about a dozen trees. Next is the 'Sennen-mizu' (Thousand-Year Water) spring, a crystal-clear stream selected as one of the '100 Best Waters of the Heisei Era,' symbolizing the area's abundant water resources. Visitors can also enjoy the seasonal blooms at the Shirogawa Taira Wetlands, where species like Lysimachia and Liliales thrive. Other specialized areas include the 'Conifer Garden,' a Western-style natural garden, the 'Lawn Stage' for events, and the 'Terrace Garden,' where visitors can enjoy meals or workshops in the open air.
The botanical garden offers a changing cycle of flora throughout the year. From early to late April, you can observe species such as Primrose, Japanese Andromeda, and various lilies. By mid-May, plants like the Mountain Azalea and various wildflowers come into full bloom. The garden is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We recommend visiting during the bright daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate forms of the plants, as the scenery changes significantly depending on the season.
Visitors can enjoy various activities rooted in the natural environment. The restaurant 'Hütte Brunnen' serves delicious meals using the local 'Sennen-mizu' spring water and premium local Tajima Beef. The Terrace Garden is equipped with tables and chairs, making it a perfect spot for enjoying takeout meals or attending gardening workshops. Additionally, depending on the season, the garden occasionally hosts special events, such as BBQ plans involving the treehouse area.
The area surrounding the botanical garden is rich in natural beauty. Nearby landmarks include the Hyogo Prefectural Towano Kogen and Hachi Kogen, which serve as hubs for nature-based education and recreation. The scenic Shirogawa area and local accommodations like Lodge Kadoma also offer a way to immerse yourself in the historical and natural landscape of the region.
As the garden includes natural forests and wetlands, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. For dining at the restaurant, you can pay with cash or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). Since this is a nature conservation area, please respect the environment and avoid disturbing the plants. We recommend checking the official website in advance for English-language availability or specific details regarding event reservations (such as BBQ plans).