Ride on a Giant Victoria Amazonica!

Event Overview

'Ride on a Giant Victoria Amazonica!' at Makino Botanical Garden is a special program that allows you to learn about the scale of plants through direct experience rather than just sight. The Victoria Amazonica is a water lily known for its incredibly large leaves. This event offers the rare opportunity to actually sit on these giant leaves—an experience not typically available at standard botanical gardens. Come and touch the beauty of natural forms at this garden, which honors the achievements of the botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight is the chance to actually ride on the giant leaves of the Victoria Amazonica. Feeling the texture and immense scale of the leaves floating on the water surface will be an unforgettable memory for both children and adults. By experiencing the scale of the plant firsthand, you can learn the wonders of nature that cannot be fully captured in books or photos. Spending time among the seasonal plants in this lush environment will provide a special moment away from daily life.

Date & Schedule

The event is held on July 20, 2026 (Sun). Please check the official website or local signage on the day for detailed time slots and registration timing. As this is a seasonal event, we recommend checking the schedule in advance so you don't miss it.

Venue & Access

The venue is within the Makino Botanical Garden in Kochi Prefecture. The garden was established to honor the work of the botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino and is home to a rich variety of plants. We recommend checking the official botanical garden website in advance for information regarding access, nearby parking, and shuttle bus availability, as these may change depending on the season.

Participation Tips

Since this is a unique experience involving riding on plant leaves, prior application or reservation may be required. Information such as extensions of the application period is updated frequently on the official website, so please check regularly if you wish to participate. Please also note that the event details may change based on plant growth or weather conditions.

What to Bring & Dress Code

As this activity takes place within a botanical garden, please wear comfortable clothing suitable for observing plants. Since there is a possibility of being near water, we recommend wearing clothes that can get dirty and non-slip shoes.

• *Payment Methods**: For facility usage fees or related costs, please follow the instructions provided on-site. Specific payment methods (cash, card, etc.) for this event are not specified in the provided materials.
• *English Support**: While explanations regarding plants are provided within the garden, please check the latest information on-site regarding the availability of professional English-language guides.
• *Reservation Requirement**: This event may require prior reservation or application. Please check the official website in advance.
• *Etiquette**: To protect the plant ecosystem, please follow all instructions and avoid damaging the leaves or applying excessive weight to them.