Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park – A country garden unique to Hokkaido

Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park (hereafter “Takino Suzuran Hillside Park”)  boasts an expansive area with various leisure facilities. In this article, we’ll focus on the park’s flower-filled highlight, the Country Garden, located in the “Central zone(called “Chushin zone”)”. The garden is divided into 11 distinct areas, each showcasing a unique style of floral presentation. Within the Country Garden, over 800 species of plants thrive, offering visitors a chance to enjoy landscapes that are uniquely Hokkaido.

A National Park Where You Can Enjoy Hokkaido’s Majestic Nature and Seasonal Blooms 

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park spans about 400hectares(about 988acres) and offers a variety of activities, including large playground equipment in the ” Children’s Valley(called “Kodomo no Tani”).” Within the park, the “Country Garden” located in the “Chushin zone” is a widely loved spot known for its beautiful floral displays. 

The Country Garden, located in the 71.4hectares(about 176acres) “Chushin zone”, is designed for leisurely exploration, taking about 60 minutes to view.  

Established in 1983 as Hokkaido’s first national park, it was enhanced in 2010 with a paid area to showcase its attractions. 

Designed by renowned landscape architect Ryu Kozaburo, maintenance is carried out by planting staff and volunteers. 

The theme of the “Country Garden” is “Northern Life with Flowers and Greenery.” The garden is divided into 11 areas, each offering a unique flower garden or garden landscape based on a specific theme. Taking advantage of the varied terrain of the hillside, visitors can enjoy magnificent flower carpets of tulips and cosmos, as well as tranquil Hokkaido rural scenery shaded woodlands. Diverse scenes and settings are created throughout the garden, including views of native Hokkaido plants like Shirane Aoi and Meconopsis, showcasing the unique beauty of the region. 

At Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, a variety of events such as craft making and planting workshops are held every month. It’s a great idea to check the official website and plan your visit. 

Let’s go see about 200,000 tulips in spring!
Focus on the themed flower fields in each area

In the “Flower Meadow”(called Hana no Makiba”) area, tulips reach their peak bloom from mid to late May, with 185 varieties and 240,000 plants spread across 5,200square meters(about 1.3acres).  

The area features “Colorful Hill”(called “Irodori no Oka”) showcasing a gradient of colors, and “Rainbow Hill”(called “Nizi no Oka”) where colors are distinctly separated in a semi-circule.  

Both areas offer stunning views,whether from above or below, creating an impressive scene! 

The photo above shows the view of the “Flower People’s Hideaway”(called Kajin no Kakurega”) area in late May, where primula bloom with a delicate charm. Compared to the more open spaces in other areas, this garden is surrounded by a natural forest, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Rare plants are chosen for this area, and the sight of various plants naturally blooming in the dappled sunlight invites a sense of calm and relaxation. 

This is the view of the”Kitchen Garden” in late June. Enjoy the scenery created by vegetables, herbs, and flowers that appear on the dining table. The small branches woven into poles and the triangular rain shelter are designed for tomatoes, which are prone to falling over and cracking when exposed to rain. The stylish setup could serve as inspiration for home gardening.  

The tent in the back is open for entry, making it a great spot to sit on the sofa and take photos. 

In the plaza in front of the East Gate (Higashi-Guchi) Rest Area, pathways, and walls, you’ll find a variety of container planting works created by a hanging basket master. These are produced and showcased every year, typically between June and July. The plants are carefully selected and arranged to ensure long-lasting enjoyment, making it a great reference for plant selection. Explore the combinations of plants that work well together in container gardens, as well as trending varieties. 

This is the view of the “Living Garden”(called “Kurashi no Hanazono”) area on the rooftop space of the “Country House,” photographed in late July. To ensure accessibility for wheelchair users, a wide ramp has been provided, and the garden is designed with raised beds. Approximately 100 types of herbs, closely tied to everyday life, are planted here. There are also explanations of the uses and benefits of herbs, and visitors can touch them and enjoy their fragrances. 

Enjoy about 150 varieties of dahlias in autumn!
The cosmos field is also highly recommended

In the “Palette Flower Bed”(called “Palette Kadan”)area, dahlias reach their peak bloom from early August to early October. About 150 varieties, around 600 plants, of locally grown dahlias are planted here. You might find a dahlia you’d like to try growing yourself. Also pay attention to the techniques of choosing contrasting flower colors or selecting complementary flower shapes for harmonious combinations. 

In the”Flower Meadow”(called “Hana no Makiba”) area, cosmos reach their peak bloom from mid to late September. About 4,200square meters（about 1acres） are filled with 700k cosmos flowers. Don’t forget to take a photo with a majestic flower field of pink and white flowers at the back. The sky is clear and blue, and the stunning borrowed scenery of surrounding mountains adds to the beauty. The pleasant sound of birds chirping nearby creates a relaxing atmosphere, making it easy to lose track of time. 

A variety of events are held every month!
The restaurant’s menu is also full of variety

This shows an event where participants made photo frames during the peak bloom of the tulips, with the frames decorated using tulip petals.  

The reception is at the “East Gate(Higashi-Guchi) Rest Area Flower Information Center.” No reservation is required. The cost is 300 yen, and the work time is about 15 minutes (event details may vary each year). 

Be sure to stop by the restaurant “Country Garden” with a log house-style exterior. It operates during the same hours as the park, but drinks are available from 9:00 AM, and meals are served starting at 10:30 AM. The last order is taken 60 minutes before the park closes. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including pasta, curry, udon, and ramen, with prices ranging from 700 to 1,200 yen. Seasonal limited-time menus are also available. The restaurant is casual, and has 100 seats. 

The photo above shows the “Mori no Pizza (Forest Pizza)” (1,500 yen), topped generously with juicy bacon from Tōbetsu, Hokkaido. It’s perfect for sharing! It also comes with two cakes for dessert, which is a delightful bonus. 

At the Country House and other locations, there are shops offering original products, souvenirs, and sweets. Recommended items include the original “Kuma Bell” (bear deterrent bell) for 550 yen and the “Tulip Toothbrush Cap” for 300 yen. 

Information 

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park 

Address: 247 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo 005-0862, Japan 

Call: 011-592-3333 
http://www.takinopark.com/ 

Access: About a 30-minute bus ride from Makomanai Station on the Namboku Subway Line. 

Opening Season:  
 Spring: April 20* to May 31 9:00-17:00 
 Summer: June 1 to August 31 9:00-18:00 
 Fall: September 1 to November 10 9:00-17:00 
 Winter: December 23* to March 31 9:00-16:00 
 * Open on April 19 and December 22 if these days are Sundays. 

Closed days: There are no closed days during the opening season. 

Admission (Green Season): *Cash only 
 Adults(over 15 years old): 450 yen 
Senior citizens(Adult over 65 years old) *Proof of age required 
* Note 1 : Admission is free for children under age 15. 
* 2-day pass and group discounts available. 

Parking:  
 Standard Vehicle: 450yen 
Large vehicles (buses, etc.): 1,300yen 
Moped / Motorcycle: 200yen 

* Only on the day of use of the parking lot, you can move between each parking lot at the parking fee paid once.