Manabe Garden Obihiro: Hokkaido's Enchanting Conifer Forest

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Obihiro Travel Spotlight

Manabe Garden

ⓒ Text/Photos by Nomad Ssalmi

Obihiro, the vibrant heart of Hokkaido's Tokachi region,

is celebrated as a sanctuary along the

Hokkaido Garden Pathway, where stunning gardens converge.

And among these treasures,

Manabe Garden truly stands out.

Spanning an impressive 25,000 *pyeong*

and boasting abundant exotic conifer forests,

it's an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Obihiro.

Join me as I introduce you to Manabe Garden,

a place that feels just like stepping into a serene Nordic forest.

1. Introduction to Manabe Garden

Obihiro Manabe Garden, originally established as Japan's very first conifer arboretum,

is a historically rich sanctuary that has been lovingly cultivated over generations.

Conveniently located just a 10-15 minute drive from Obihiro Station, accessibility is superb.

For those exploring by rental car, you'll be delighted to find a spacious and well-maintained parking lot,

making your visit wonderfully hassle-free.

2. Manabe Garden Walking Courses & Exploration

What makes Manabe Garden truly unique is its exquisite blend of Japanese-style gardens,

elegant Western-style gardens, and a lush circuit-style garden,

all harmoniously interwoven with a vibrant array of trees and shrubs.

To ensure every visitor can enjoy at their own pace,

Manabe Garden offers three distinct exploration courses,

each clearly marked with charming squirrel arrow signposts.

This means you can wander freely and comfortably, with no worries of losing your way!

1️⃣

Three Walking Courses

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✅ Shortest Course (approx. 45 min)

This concise yet fulfilling course is perfect for those who are short on time

or simply wish to quickly absorb the garden's essential highlights.

✅ Standard Course (approx. 60 min)

Our most popular signature course, this option allows you to thoroughly

and beautifully explore the main arboretum and its iconic gardens,

offering a perfectly balanced experience.

✅ Long Course (approx. 80-90 min)

This immersive course ventures deep into enchanting forest trails,

inviting you to take a leisurely stroll and truly connect with the profound tranquility of nature.

We explored this course.

2️⃣

Exotic Conifer Forests

The moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped by towering conifers,

creating an immediate and profound sense of seclusion, as if the bustling city simply melted away.

With rare tree species collected from all over the world

densely cultivated and meticulously cared for,

it truly felt as if I had stepped into

a deep forest in Northern Europe.

As you stroll along the path,

a picturesque pond and charming wooden houses appear,

and this is precisely Manabe Garden's

most iconic photo spot!

I lost count of how many photos I took here! 😂

3️⃣

A Symphony of Gardens

Within the grounds, not only will you find a sprawling

Western-style garden with expansive lawns,

but also a serene Japanese garden,

harmoniously blending traditional stone pagodas and tranquil ponds.

These distinct styles flow seamlessly into each other.

We visited in September, just as the autumn foliage was beginning to turn.

I can only imagine how incredibly beautiful it must be

when the leaves are in full splendor!

As you walk slowly through the garden,

you might spot wild Hokkaido squirrels from the Tokachi region

scurrying about everywhere.

They aren't afraid of people,

so you can observe them up close as they busy themselves gathering acorns

or climbing trees.

4. Visitor Tips

✅ Comfortable Walking Shoes are a Must!

The garden is quite expansive, more so than you might expect,

featuring a delightful mix of natural dirt paths and wooden boardwalks.

We highly recommend sporting comfortable walking shoes

instead of dressier ones to fully enjoy your exploration!

✅ Garden Cafe & Garden Center

After you've finished exploring the gardens,

you'll find a charming souvenir shop and a lovely cafe near the entrance.

There are so many cute souvenirs,

so picking up a little something might be a great way to remember your visit!

5. Wrapping Up

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Manabe Garden in Obihiro was

one of our absolute favorite spots during our Hokkaido trip this time around!

If you have ample time,

we highly recommend choosing the longest route

and exploring it at your leisure, soaking in every detail.

If you're planning a trip to Obihiro,

don't miss Manabe Garden –

we truly hope you'll make time to visit!

I truly hope my post helps you plan a wonderful and enjoyable journey!