What other travelers are saying about Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens
It’s a very calm and quiet place to visit as a break from the city noise. At the entrance you can see the information on what plants are currently blooming, so you don’t waste your time roaming around the whole garden. Especially considering the fact that many explanations about the sections of the garden or plants in them are only in Japanese, so the visit takes longer if you want to understand what you’re looking at. The Ainu museum was very interesting but unfortunately much smaller than expected.
We visited when only the greenhouse was open -- the place is small. Two greenhouses. But, the area outside looks like it would be beautiful during spring/summer/fall! I wish we could see it then (why I'm giving it 4 stars). The greenhouse itself is a little underwhelming, but for 120Y per person, I'm not one to complain. Just want to set the expectations properly for the winter season. Entrance is a bit difficult to find, but follow the signs. Seems the main entrance / ticket area is not open during the winter, and you need to go to the greenhouse. I couldn't find parking specifically for the garden, so I parked in a nearby lot for 440Y per hour.
A lovely slice of nature in the center of Sapporo. I particularly enjoyed the pine trees from all over the world, including the Eastern White Pine which reminds me of my home state of Maine.
We went there to escape the heat of the city for a short while on a Thursday noon, and we were nearly alone.
The garden belongs to Sapporo University, and the entry fee is 420 ¥ for adults (300 ¥ children).
It's a nice park, mainly with huge grass areas and focusing on trees and some shrubs, interspersed with some "theme areas " (stone garden, rose garden,...)
Again, this is not mainly a tourist attraction but an academic garden, but it's still a great place to visit.
There's also a little museum displaying local animals.
...and it is THE ONE place you have to go to experience dragonflies!!
For any reason, they are totally tame here,sit on your hands and head and don't flee even when you touch them.
