Guida
Manabe Garden is a vast farm and botanical garden spanning 100 hectares in Obihiro, Hokkaido. It is highly acclaimed as Japan's first authentic conifer garden and serves as a major center for the production of rare conifer species. The grounds are filled with diverse trees brought from all over the world, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of natural forms. It is also a popular spot for spotting wildlife such as Ezo squirrels and flying squirrels, offering a profound sense of connection with nature.
The history of this land began with forestry by the first settler, Saichi Manabe, in 1896 (Meiji 29). Later, the second generation, Masaaki Namiba, established the foundation for the current garden by producing nursery trees capable of growing in cold climates. The third generation, Tomoki Manabe, expanded the garden into a Western-style landscape by importing rare trees from regions like Northern Europe and Canada. This created a unique landscape where Japanese gardens and Western-style landscape gardens blend seamlessly. The site also preserves historic architecture, such as the 'Shinsekaku'-style building, which was moved to the site in 1969. The garden holds high cultural value, having hosted contemporary art exhibitions to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building in 2011.
The garden features several distinct themed areas. The 'European Garden (Conifer Garden),' symbolized by its iconic red-roofed house, is the central area where rare conifers from around the world are gathered. Next is the 'Japanese Garden,' centered around the historic 'Shinsekaku' building and a carp pond maintained by 14°C groundwater rising from 350m below. Other attractions include the 'Landscape Gardens' that utilize natural topography, such as the Rose Hill and the Squirrel Church. Additionally, areas like the 'River Border Garden,' where four types of maple trees are planted along a 50m stretch, offer changing colors and textures that make every stroll feel like a new experience.
You can enjoy different botanical expressions depending on the season. In August, hydrangeas are in full bloom, and in late autumn, the colors of the beach roses are a highlight. From spring to summer, the lush green conifers and active Ezo squirrels are particularly captivating. We recommend using the model courses designed for different goals and timeframes. There is a '30-minute course' for spotting Ezo squirrels, a 'Kita-kitsune (Red Fox) course,' and a '60-minute Rabbit course' for those who want to enjoy nature more deeply. Visiting in the morning when the sunlight is beautiful or in the afternoon when plant colors are vivid is highly recommended.
The primary experience is observing the sculptural beauty of nature while walking through the vast grounds. Searching for wildlife like Ezo squirrels or flying squirrels provides a thrilling sense of nature observation. The garden also features a seedling shop, a café, and a greenhouse, allowing you to rest in a space surrounded by plants. Deepening your botanical knowledge in such a tranquil environment offers a special, refreshing escape from daily life.
Manabe Garden is located along the Hokkaido Garden Path, an area rich in the natural beauty of the Tokachi region. There are many other beautiful gardens scattered nearby, making it perfect for a garden-hopping tour. It is also relatively easy to access from Obihiro city center, making it a convenient stop during your travels.
Because the grounds are extremely vast and set in a natural environment, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Since strolls can take time, it is convenient to bring your own drinks and light snacks. Please do not feed the wildlife. While some payments may be possible at the onsite shop, please prepare cash or a credit card for basic transactions. We recommend checking the official website or local information in advance regarding English-language support.