The botanical garden of Nikko, established in 1902, is currently being run by the graduate school of science of the Tokyo University.

The aim of the garden is the research and study of alpine plants and plants from the temperate region of Japan to the sub-arctic one (such as Prunus and Acer for example). A list of the park plants is available here in Japanese and Latin.

The garden’s location was specially chosen due to its ideal climate conditions offering the researchers excellent conditions to study the Japanese fauna.

The garden, covering over 100,000 square meters, is home to over 200 different species.

The Nikko botanical garden is open every day from mid April till the end of November. To visit the park you will have to open your wallet to pay the sum of 330 Yen (110 for children).

Those staying in Tokyo and wishing to visit the park, should purchase a train ticket for the famous Tobu railway at the Asakusa station in Toyko to the city of Nikko. A one-way ticket should cost around 1320 Yens and get you to Nikko in just under 2 hours. Trains depart every hour during daytime.

Once in the Nikko station, take the bus headed to Okuhosoo, Kiyotaki, Chuzenji or Yumoto and get off at “Hanaishi-cho“. The ride shouldn’t last more than 10 minutes and will cost you 300 Yens. From there it’s only a minute’s walk.