Guida
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 Ushiroyama Nagisa National Park and operates with a strong focus on nature conservation. Out of its total 17 hectares, 10 hectares are preserved as natural forest vegetation, while the remaining 7 hectares are developed to maximize the use of the natural environment. This unique location serves as a biological crossroads: it marks the northern limit for southern plants, the southern limit for northern plants, the lower limit for alpine plants, and the upper limit for lowland plants. The center of the garden is a wetland formed by abundant spring water, hosting over 2,000 species of native plants.
Established on June 15, 1997, the garden is dedicated to environmental preservation. The ecosystem is sustained by a massive daily flow of 5,000 tons of spring water, creating a unique wetland habitat. Due to its exceptional natural beauty, the garden has received the 'Heisei Hand-made Local Heritage Award.' A significant historical landmark within the garden is the 'Great Katsura of Waike,' a natural monument designated by Hyogo Prefecture, which stands as a living testament to over 1,000 years of history. This area continues to foster cultural initiatives that utilize and protect local natural resources.
The garden offers several spots that showcase the beauty of natural formations. First, the symbolic 'Great Katsura of Waike' features a trunk diameter of approximately 3 meters, surrounded by a historic grove of over a dozen trees. Next is the 'Sennen-mizu' (Thousand-Year Water) stream, a spring water source selected as one of the '100 Best Waters of the Heisei Era,' representing the garden's rich water resources. Visitors can also observe various plants like Melianthus major and Lythrum in the 'Tagawa Taira Wetland.' Other areas include the 'Conifer Garden' (a Western-style natural garden), the 'Lawn Stage' for events, and the 'Terrace Garden,' where guests can enjoy meals or educational workshops in a natural setting.
The botanical garden offers different plant cycles throughout the seasons. From early to late April, you can observe species such as Primula cernua, Veratrum album, and various primroses. In mid-May, plants like White Thread Grass and various azaleas begin to bloom. The garden is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended to fully appreciate the colors and textures of the seasonal flora. The specific plant species visible will change significantly depending on your visit date.
The facility offers several ways to engage with nature. The restaurant 'Hütte Brunnen' serves meals using the 'Sennen-mizu' spring water and local Tajima beef. The Terrace Garden provides tables and chairs, making it a perfect spot to enjoy takeout meals or participate in gardening lectures. Additionally, depending on the season, special activities like treehouse BBQ plans or seasonal plant-related events may be held.
The area surrounding the garden is rich in natural beauty. Nearby landmarks include the 'Towano Plateau' and 'Hachi Plateau' in Hyogo Prefecture, which serve as hubs for education and recreation. Other notable scenic spots in the vicinity include the 'Tagawa' area and 'Lodge Kadoma,' known for its historical natural environment.
Since the garden includes natural forests and wetlands, comfortable walking shoes are essential. For payments at the restaurant, cash or credit cards (Visa/MasterCard, etc.) are accepted. As this is a protected natural area, visitors are asked to respect the environment and avoid disturbing the plants. We recommend checking the official website for English-language information or signage availability. If you wish to participate in specific plans like the BBQ, please check for advanced reservation requirements in advance.