Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Located at the southern end of the Hokkaido Garden Road connecting Asahikawa, Furano, and Tokachi, the Rokka-no-Mori forest covers an area of 100,000 square meters, where the six flowers of Tokachi (Ezo gentian, Japanese pear, goldenrod, katakuri, Ezo alpine gentian, and white mallow) bloom each season. The garden is also dotted with museums housed in old Croatian houses that have been relocated to the area, and is definitely worth a visit in combination with the Rokkatei Art Village.The Rokka no Mori garden is another serene example of Hokkaido’s lush and varied landscape. Filled with adorable flowers and quaint art galleries, this haven of beauty is perfect for visitors that want a quiet, introspective day out. Dogtooth violets, Japanese Wood Poppy, and Ezo marsh marigold (the logo of a souvenir brand called Rokkatei) are just a few of the floral varieties that grow within the garden. For those tired of walking, a museum made from a remodeled Croatian house accompanies the mini art galleries scattered about the property and provides a wonderful place to sit and think.

At the Tokachi Nature Center, you can enjoy various outdoor activities in Tokachi’s wilderness for a truly immersive and satisfying nature experience guided by professionals. If you can visit in the Summer, why not try activities like early morning hot-air ballooning which allows you to gaze down on the earth from 30-meters up in the air, river rafting, stand-up paddling, or all-included barbecues? In the Winter, activities like snowshoeing and eagle watching can’t be beat! The program is packed with tours showing off the area’s natural attractions, and with many of them suitable for children, they are also recommended for families!

The Shichiku Garden was the passion project of a woman named Shichiku Akiha, an avid lover of flowers and the property’s namesake. Ms. Shichiku designed this lovely rural garden in the hopes of reliving and capturing a snapshot of her youth, a childhood spent among beautiful blooms. This incredible garden is over 60,000 square meters large and has more than 2,500 varieties of flowers. Visitors that choose to spend a day among Ms. Shichiku’s flowers will experience her passion first hand and see the work she has dedicated her life to.

Naitai Kogen Farm in Kamishihoro, Tokachi area, is Japan’s largest public farm with an area of around 1,700 hectares. On this vast plain, there are around 2,000 cows leisurely munching grass and leading pleasant lives. The wide-open feeling you get from the vastness of the scenery is typical of Hokkaido’s landscapes, unique in all of Japan. It is said that looking at the greenery stretching far to the horizon can cure tiredness and malaise. When you are done enjoying the magnificent view through the glass-walled observation deck, you can relax in Tenbo Cafe, which offers a delectable menu made from Tokachi ingredients, like soft-serve ice cream, and pour over coffee roasted on-site.