Located in the central Hokkaido town of Ohibiro, Tokachi Hills is a collection of gardens, cafes and recreational areas. Designed in the style of English gardens, it brings a touch of England to Hokkaido’s floral landscape.
The garden section covers an area of five hectares. Here, you’ll find motifs typically found in English gardens, like paths made from stone or wood, trees and shrubs sculpted into shapes and plenty of color.
Exploring Tokachi Hills
There are several green spaces in Tokachi Hills, and each one provides a unique atmosphere. On the main stretch, you’ll find a path flanked by kushiro yae (a variety of cherry tree). While you may have seen cherry blossoms in late March and early April before, these tend to bloom much later due to Hokkaido’s colder climate. Come around the Golden Week period at the start of May and feast your eyes on the blossoms filled with as many as 40 fluffy pink petals. In the rose garden, there are more than 800 roses representing over 35 varieties. For a peek at flora and fauna in coexistence, pass by Dragonfly Pond to see water lilies sitting atop the water’s surface, willow trees along the edge and animal and insect life going about their day.
Tokachi Hills hosts a variety of events throughout the green season. During the rainy season, dozens of colorful umbrellas are installed overhead as part of an art installation called Umbrella Sky. Morning Markets are also regularly held, allowing visitors to purchase local foods and crafts.
Seasonal flowers
From spring to the middle of autumn, Tokachi Hills is alive with color. In May and June, visitors can see azaleas ranging from pinks and whites to purples and reds. This colorful array is matched only by the blooming magnolias that flower during the same period. In July and August, roses, ornamental onions and geraniums blanket the green spaces.
As the opening season comes to a close in September and October, the temperatures start to dip low enough for the autumn foliage to emerge in its fiery red and orange glory. Underneath this canopy, you can also enjoy asters and Japanese purple sage.
