Makino Botanical Garden — Flora of Shikoku

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Makino Botanical Garden — Flora of Shikoku

Makino Botanical Garden — Flora of Shikoku 2

The Makino Botanical Garden, perched on a hillside in western Kochi, is dedicated to Tomitaro Makino (1862–1957), the 'father of Japanese botany' who named over 1,500 plant species and spent his life cataloging Japan's flora. The 8-hectare garden contains over 3,000 species arranged in thematic sections: a wild meadow, a bamboo grove, a medicinal herb garden, an alpine rockery, and a traditional Tosa garden with ponds and stone lanterns.

The garden's design is naturalistic rather than formal — plants are allowed to intermingle and seed freely, creating a sense of walking through the Shikoku mountains. The greenhouse conservatory showcases tropical and subtropical species, including many that Makino collected personally. Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas; autumn delivers camellias and maple foliage. The garden also offers panoramic views over Kochi City and the Tosa Bay.

Opening Hours

Daily 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Makino Cafe: 9:30–16:30. On-site restaurant: 11:00–15:00. The garden is fully outdoors; the greenhouse is open same hours.

Closed: Open every day of the year. No regular closure days. The garden remains open during light rain (bring umbrella); the greenhouse offers shelter.

Entrance Fee

¥730 adults, ¥430 university students, ¥200 high school students, free for middle school and younger. Combined ticket with Chikurin-ji Temple ¥1,000. Makino Cafe and museum shop accessible without garden ticket.

Best Season

Late March–early April for cherry blossoms (15+ varieties). Late April–May for azaleas and wisteria. October–November for maple foliage and late-blooming sasanqua camellias. The garden is beautiful in every season.

Visit Duration

Complete garden circuit: 2–2.5 hours. Photography enthusiasts with greenhouse: 3 hours. Combined with Chikurin-ji Temple (10-min walk): 3.5–4 hours total.

Getting There

Access Information

Makino Botanical Garden is 15 minutes by bus from Kochi Station (MY Yasaka Bus to Godaisan). Open daily 9:00–17:00. Entry: ¥730 adults. Restaurant and cafe on-site. Budget 2–3 hours.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Best sections:** The 'Tosa no Michi' (Tosa Road) is a woodland trail planted with species native to Kochi Prefecture — walking it is like a compressed hike through the Shikoku forest. The 'Makino Me