What to know
Nikko Botanical Garden (日光植物園, Nikko Shokubutsuen) is owned and maintained by the prestigious University of Tokyo. As such, it is a branch of the university's main research garden, Koishikawa Botanical Garden in Tokyo.
The garden was opened in 1902 for the purpose of collecting and studying alpine plants. It is spacious and quiet with a substantial network of paths that allows for pleasant walks and the viewing of the various labeled trees, plants and shrubs. The garden also offers a look into the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, although there is no direct connection between the garden and the trail that leads along the abyss.
Nikko Botanical Garden now exhibits over 1500 different plant species and about 2200 individual plants and is still used by the University of Tokyo for the study of alpine plants. Besides a large number of alpine and mountainous varieties, the garden also offers tree varieties from around the country.
From JR or Tobu Nikko station, take a Tobu bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen and get off at the Nikko Shokubutsuen bus stop. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes and costs 410 yen one way.
Nikko Botanical Garden can also be reached in about a 30 minute walk from Toshogu Shrine.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)
- Closed
- December 1 to March 31
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Nikko Botanical Garden
- Original name
- Nikko Botanical Garden
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.