Makino Botanical Garden is a serene and picturesque nature park located in Japan, known for its incredible array of flora and fauna. Spanning over 80 acres of land, it is named after the renowned Japanese botanist Tomitaro Makino, and features over 10,000 different species of plants. Visitors are greeted by winding paths that lead to stunning gardens, waterfalls, ponds, and a wide variety of fauna. This botanical paradise is a must-see destination for nature lovers, horticulture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Makino Botanical Garden is located approximately 40km from the city of Koriyama and 80km from Sendai International Airport. Visitors can reach the gardens by taking a taxi or driving from Koriyama, or renting a car from Sendai International Airport.
The best time to visit Makino Botanical Garden is during the spring and autumn months, where visitors are treated to stunning cherry blossoms and colorful foliage. The garden is open year-round, however, so visitors can enjoy its natural beauty at any time of the year.
The weather at Makino Botanical Garden fluctuates during the year, with cool temperatures during the winter months and warm temperatures during the summer months. Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
Accommodation rates vary at the nearby city of Koriyama, with budget options starting at around 7,000 JPY per night for a single room, and mid-range options starting at around 12,000 JPY per night. Luxury hotels can be found starting at around 20,000 JPY per night. Camping is also an option at nearby Shinsakaemura Campsite, with rates starting at around 2,500 JPY per night.
Food options at Makino Botanical Garden are limited, but visitors can explore the nearby city of Koriyama for various culinary delights, for example, restaurants serving Japanese Ramen can cost around 700-1000 JPY while more formal dining options can cost 3000-5000 JPY per person.
Japan is generally a very safe country, known for low violent crime rates. There have been no reported safety concerns at Makino Botanical Garden, and visitors should feel safe travelling alone or in groups. Women travellers and LGBTQ+ visitors are also generally safe, with high levels of tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community in Japan.
Makino Botanical Garden is located within the Fukushima Prefecture, which has a population of approximately 1.8 million people. The region is predominantly Japanese, with the majority of the population practicing Shintoism and Buddhism. The official language is Japanese, with a minority speaking other languages like Korean and English.
Some popular activities at Makino Botanical Garden include nature walks, hiking, bird-watching, and photography. Visitors can also participate in the gardens' various events and workshops throughout the year, such as flower arrangement classes and tea ceremonies.