Map(Major gardens & Forest Models)

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You can download a Japanese brochure here(1.1MB)


  • 日本産樹林見本園
    ① Japanese native tree arboretum
    (日本産樹木見本園)

    This arboretum contains 250 Japanese tree species arranged in the following order: evergreen broadleaf trees, deciduous broadleaf trees, and conifers. Visitors can learn about various characteristics of Japanese native trees, including their shapes, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

  • 外国産針葉樹木園
    ② Exotic conifer arboretum
    (外国産針葉樹木園)

    This arboretum contains exotic Cupressaceae species, such as dawn redwood (Metasequoia), coastal redwood (Sequoia), swamp cypress (Taxodium), and Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobus). In 1941, the late Dr. Shigeru Miki, former director of the Gardens, named the Metasequoia genus based on his discovery of tree fossils. Living specimens were subsequently discovered in Sichuan Province (now Hubei Province), China, and the sole species within this genus was termed a "living fossil." Seeds of Metasequoia glyptostroboides germinated in America, and 100 seedlings were sent to Japan in 1950. One of these trees continues to thrive in the Osaka Metropolitan University Botanical Gardens today.

  • 外国産鑑賞樹木園
    ③ Exotic ornamental tree arboretum
    (外国産鑑賞樹木園)

    This arboretum comprises ornamental trees with attractive flowers or distinctively shaped leaves from North America or East Asia, including flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), Formosa sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana), American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Western catalpa (Catalpa speciosa), hardy rubber tree (Eucommia ulmoides), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex), and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

  • 東アジア区
    ④ East Asian plant garden
    (東アジア区)

    Outside of the tropics, East Asia possesses the greatest diversity of tree species. Because of East Asia's proximity to the Japanese archipelago, many tree species native to East Asia are taxonomically closely related to trees in Japan. Furthermore, numerous trees have been introduced to Japan since ancient times for cultivation in gardens and other settings, as ornamental plants or for their medicinal properties. Examples of familiar trees in Japan native to East Asia include Chinese arborvitae (Platycladus), orange-flowered sweet olive (Osmanthus), and Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia).

  • 北アメリカ区
    ⑤ North American plant garden
    (北アメリカ区)

    Many taxonomically related plant species grow in both eastern North America and East Asia, despite their separation by the vast Pacific Ocean. For example, Liriodendron species (Magnoliaceae) include the American tulip tree (L. tulipifera), distributed in eastern North America, and the Chinese tulip tree (L. chinense), found in East Asia. Tree families with parallel species distributions in eastern North America and East Asia include Juglandaceae, Magnoliaceae, Sapindaceae, and Hamamelidaceae.

  • ユーラシア区
    ⑥ Eurasian plant garden
    (ユーラシア区)

    Eurasia is Earth's largest continent. Due to differing soil and climate conditions between western Eurasia and Japan, few tree species native to Eurasia can grow in the Gardens. Among these are trees with familiar names from literature and paintings, such as the Norway spruce, horse chestnut, and European elm.

  • オーストラリア区
    ⑦ Australian plant garden
    (オーストラリア区)

    This collection contains typical Australian plant species, including those in the genera Eucalyptus, Callistemon, and Callitris. Eucalyptus is a large genus of evergreen trees in the Myrtaceae family, mainly native to Australia. Their flowers have inconspicuous petals, with numerous long stamens as their most distinctive feature. The fruit is a hard, capsule-like structure that splits open to release seeds upon maturity. Eucalyptus trees grow rapidly, and some species are known to be the tallest broadleaf trees worldwide. These trees are economically and ecologically important due to their unique characteristics and extensive range of applications, including timber, paper pulp, essential oils, medicinal purposes, and horticulture.

    Callistemon (family Myrtaceae) is a genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees commonly known as "bottlebrushes" due to their distinctive brush-like inflorescences. The flowers form dense, cylindrical or conical spikes characterized by long stamens that protrude like bristles. Flower colors are diverse, including red, pink, purple, white, and yellow; bright red flowers are particularly common. The entire genus is endemic to Australia.

    Callitris (family Cupressaceae) is a genus of coniferous trees native to the Southern Hemisphere, widely distributed across Australia and New Caledonia.

  • サクラ山
    ⑧ Japanese cherry tree garden
    (sakura-yama:サクラ山)
    The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan. Among the ten wild cherry tree species native to Japan, the Gardens contain seven, including the Japanese mountain cherry (Cerasus jamasakura) and C. kumanoensis. This garden also includes 68 cultivars. Annually, cherry blossoms reach their peak viewing period over approximately 2 months, beginning with the 'Ohkanzakura' cultivar in late February, followed by single-flowered cultivars such as 'Itozakura', double-flowered cultivars such as 'Kanzan' and 'Baigoji Juzukakezakura' from mid-April, and concluding with the late-blooming 'Nara no Yaezakura'. Visitors can also see six cultivars with green cherry blossoms, including 'Shinnishiki'.

  • 梅園・果樹見本園
    ⑨ Plum tree garden
    (Bai-en:梅園)

    The plum tree holds cultural significance in Japan for its beautiful flowers and fruit. It blooms from late winter to early spring (January to March). The flowers, either single or double, appear in various colors including white, pink, and red. Plum tree flowers bloom before leaf expansion, enhancing their visual impact, and emit a fragrant scent. This garden contains approximately 40 plum tree varieties, among which the 'Genpei' cultivar is particularly distinctive, producing separate white and red flowers on each tree, occasionally on the same branch.

  • ツバキ山
    Japanese camellia garden
    (Tsubaki-yama:ツバキ山)

    This garden contains approximately 260 camellia cultivars, including about 30 varieties of foreign origin. Varieties bred in the Edo period include 'Kingyo Ba Tsubaki', whose leaf shape resembles the tail fin of a goldfish. The flowers of the five-colored 'Goshiki Chiri Tsubaki' variety have a variegated pattern that combines multiple colors such as white, red, and pink, along with ornamental spots or streaks.

  • カエデ山
    ⑪ Japanese maple tree garden
    (Kaede-yama:カエデ山)

    Maple trees or shrubs belong to the genus Acer in the family Sapindaceae and are widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Maple leaves exhibit a characteristic palmate shape, with five to seven deep lobes in many species. Although leaf shape varies among maple species, all are aesthetically pleasing. From spring to summer, the leaves are lush and green; in autumn, they transform into vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. Maples are particularly renowned for their autumn leaves. This garden contains Japanese maples and various cultivars derived from the native species. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

  • マグノリア園
    ⑫ Magnolia garden
    (マグノリア園)

    Magnolia trees are favored by many gardening enthusiasts. Their petals are thick and firm, with diverse flower colors including white, pink, purple, yellow, and cream. During bloom, their petals open wide, presenting an ornate display. Many magnolia species emit a sweet, pleasant scent to attract insect pollinators. In this garden, visitors can enjoy the attractive flowers and charming fragrance of the Kobushi magnolia (Magnolia kobus), willow-leaved magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), and the cultivar Magnolia × wieseneri.

  • ヤシ園
    ⑬ Palm tree garden
    (ヤシ園)

    Palms, evergreen species belonging to the Arecaceae family, are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Many palms possess a single, straight trunk, often displaying remnants of leaf bases. Palm leaves have two forms: pinnate leaves, which spread symmetrically like feathers, and palmate leaves, which spread out like the palm of a hand. The leaves are exceptionally large, reaching several meters in length in some species. This garden contains species such as the windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), jelly palm (Butia capitata), and Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis).

  • タケ・ササ園
    Japanese and Chinese bamboo garden
    (タケ・ササ園)

    Bamboos, plants belonging to the subfamily Bambusoideae of the Poaceae family, are widely distributed from temperate to tropical regions worldwide, mainly in Asia. The height of bamboos significantly varies among species, ranging from a few meters in smaller species to over 30 m in larger species. Typically, bamboos have straight, hollow stems divided at nodes, which are light and strong. The stem color can be green, yellow, or black, depending on the species. Our garden mainly collects bamboo of the genus Phyllostachys, as well as several southern bamboos that form clumps.

    Dwarf bamboos are also widely distributed, particularly in East Asia. They range in height from several tens of centimeters to a few meters. These plants are often used as ground cover because of their tendency to expand laterally along the ground.

  • 花木園
    ⑮ Shrub garden
    (花木園)

    We cultivate flowering shrubs from Japan and overseas for ornamental purposes. These plants enhance gardens, parks, and roadsides, enriching the landscape with their attractive flowers. The flowers vary in color, shape, and size depending on the species; a variety of flowers bloom throughout the seasons. For example, witch hazel blooms in spring, hydrangeas bloom in summer, and camellias bloom in winter.

  • 夏咲き花木
    ⑯ Hibiscus cultivar garden
    (夏咲き花木)

    Summer-blooming hibiscus cultivars produce vibrant flowers in colors such as red, pink, and purple during hot summer months, adding color to gardens and other landscapes. These flowers attractively contrast with the blue summer sky and green leaves.

    The rose of Sharon, a heat-tolerant flowering tree, successively produces pink, purple, and white flowers throughout the summer.

    Cotton rosemallow flowers are large and showy, measuring 10 to 15 cm in diameter. They exhibit diverse colors, including white, pink, and red. The flowering season extends from July to October. Although individual flowers last only a single day, new blooms successively appear, allowing for prolonged enjoyment.

    Crape myrtle, a deciduous tree, produces flowers with distinctive shapes in pink, red, white, and purple from summer to autumn. It is frequently planted in gardens and parks.

    Oleander flowers have five petals and exhibit various colors, including red, pink, and white, depending on the variety. The flowering period is long, with blooms successively appearing from early summer until autumn. Oleander grows rapidly, reaching a height of 2 to 4 m and a width of 2 to 3 m. The entire plant is poisonous, with toxins particularly concentrated in the leaves, flowers, and sap.

  • 乾燥地の植物
    ⑰ Desert plant garden
    (乾燥地の植物)

    In arid climates, land plants exhibit special morphological and physiological adaptations that enable survival with minimal rainfall. These plants may possess fleshy leaves or stems for water storage to withstand prolonged periods of drought. Some plants also reduce transpiration, a process in which plants lose water, by developing smaller or more needle-like leaves. For example, Yuccas have sword-shaped leaves and deep roots for growth in dry environments; puya leaves are sword-shaped, hard, with sharp spines, and arranged in a rosette; and agave leaves are thick, hard, sword-shaped, and have sharp spines. These adaptations prevent water loss in arid conditions.

    This garden contains desert plants from North and Central America, creating a landscape characteristic of arid climates. Our Agave americana and Puya alpestris plants first successfully flowered decades after transplanting. Yucca australis blooms only once every few years.

  • 熱帯・亜熱帯の植物
    ⑱ Tropical and subtropical plant garden
    (熱帯・亜熱帯の植物)

    Tropical and subtropical plants are usually grown in our greenhouse, which is closed to the public from October to June. These plants are accessible outdoors only during summer. Our collection of tropical and subtropical plants emphasizes species useful in daily life for food, clothing, and architecture. Many plants in this garden are used to produce luxury grocery items such as tea and coffee, as well as cosmetics. Numerous others are intricately linked to human culture and spiritual activities.

  • 水生植物
    ⑲Aquatic plant garden
    (水生植物)  

    Many aquatic plants are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss caused by human activities, land development, and water quality deterioration. Aquatic plants collected from the suburbs of Osaka are preserved here as refugees. Approximately 80 species of aquatic plants, including endangered species, are grown here, along with horticultural lotus, water lily, and iris varieties.

  • 西日本絶滅危惧植物
    ⑳ Endangered plant garden
    (西日本絶滅危惧植物)

    Species at high risk of extinction and those with endangered wild populations require ex situ conservation efforts. These efforts may include cultivation under controlled conditions, with the expectation of future reintroduction into the wild. This garden exhibits rare plants, including species such as Persicaria attenuata subsp. pulchra, Persicaria japonica var. taitoinsularis, Polygonatum cryptanthum, and Tricyrtis perfoliata, which appeared on the Japanese Red List published in May 2018 by the Ministry of the Environment.

  • 湿生植物

    (湿生植物)

    Wetlands in Japan are decreasing in area due to various factors such as land reclamation for development, and many wetland plant species face extinction. In this garden, visitors can see wetland plants, including rare species collected for ex situ conservation, such as marsh club moss (Lycopodiella inundata).



11 types of Japanese forest

  • タブ型照葉樹林
    Machilus–Cinnamomum evergreen broadleaf forest
    (タブ型照葉樹林)

    This forest, mainly composed of Machilus thunbergii and Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae), occurs in lowlands and mountains of Japan, near the coasts of the evergreen broadleaf forest zone, and in well-drained alluvial plains and plateaus with deep, moist soils on the lower slopes. Characterized by round and spherical crowns, this forest type exists in Japan's warm temperate zone, which experiences substantial rainfall in summer.

    Similar to evergreen oak forests, Machilus forests occur only in humid climates in East Asia's warm temperate zone and are second only to tropical rainforests in their constituent tree species richness and three-dimensional structural complexity. Historically, Japanese culture developed in regions where these evergreen broadleaf forests occur.

  • シイ型照葉樹林
    Ⅱ Castanopsis evergreen broadleaf forest
    (シイ型照葉樹林)

    This forest, mainly composed of species including Castanopsis cuspidata, C. sieboldii, and Quercus glauca, occurs in regions of the evergreen broadleaf forest zone with good drainage and relatively dry soils. Castanopsis forests are divided into two types, dominated by either Castanopsis cuspidata (inland) or Castanopsis sieboldii (nearer to the coast). Although Castanopsis forests once covered extensive areas in the Kinki and Chugoku regions of Japan, most have been converted to farmland or residential areas. Today, only traces of their former appearance remain in fragmented forests around shrines and temples.

  • 海岸型照葉樹林
    Ⅲ Coastal evergreen forest
    (海岸型照葉樹林)

    This evergreen broadleaf forest occurs in coastal regions of the warm temperate zone on Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu of the Japanese Archipelago. It mainly comprises shrubs such as Quercus phillyraeoides, Pittosporum tobira, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, and Euonymus japonicus, which have small, hard, or thick leaves that can withstand dry soil and harsh sea winds. This forest type resembles sclerophyll forests, dominated by olive and cork oak trees in the Mediterranean, but is distinct from Japan's coastal evergreen broadleaf forests, which occur in climates with frequent rainfall.

  • 低地カシ型照葉樹林
    Ⅳ Lowland Quercus evergreen forest
    (低地カシ型照葉樹林)

    Evergreen oak forests in Japan can be broadly divided into lowland oak forests on plains, dominated by Quercus gilva and Quercus sessilifolia, and highland oak forests in mountainous areas, dominated by Quercus salicina and Quercus myrsinifolia. Lowland oak forests are the most widely distributed of all evergreen broadleaf forests in Japan. In the past, they mainly occurred in humid environments in western Japan; however, like other lowland evergreen broadleaf forests, they were cleared by humans and converted into secondary forests, farmland, and urban areas. Today, very few of these forests retain their original appearance.

  • 高地カシ型照葉樹林
    Ⅴ Highland Quercus evergreen broadleaf forest
    (高地カシ型照葉樹林)

    This forest mainly comprises oaks such as Quercus salicina, Quercus myrsinifolia, and Quercus acuta. It occurs on the slopes of inland mountains in the warm temperate zone where soils are relatively rich in moisture; it is also common in highlands of Kyushu and hill areas of the Kinki and Chugoku regions.

  • 暖帯型落葉樹林
    Ⅵ Warm temperate deciduous forest
    (暖帯型落葉樹林)

    Warm temperate deciduous forests, mainly consisting of Quercus acutissima, Quercus variabilis, Quercus serrata, and Carpinus species, are widely distributed in areas where evergreen broadleaf forests cannot grow due to cold winters, and in low mountain areas of the warm temperate zone where deciduous forests cannot grow due to hot summers. This forest is an intermediate forest type characteristic of forest zones in Japan, particularly the culturally significant satoyama landscape. However, urban development efforts often target satoyama landscapes near cities, replacing them with golf courses and housing estates, thus reducing the area of Q. acutissimaQ. serrata forests.

  • 温帯南部型落葉樹林
    Ⅶ Southern cool temperate deciduous forest
    (温帯南部型落葉樹林)

    Southern cool temperate deciduous forests, which mainly consist of Fagus crenata and Quercus crispula, are representative of temperate forests in Japan; they form the so-called “beech zone.” Although beech is the dominant species, this forest type comprises various tree species, including Q. crispula, Zelkova serrata, Aesculus turbinata, Magnolia obovata, Juglans mandshurica, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, and Acer species. This garden is modeled after a forest dominated by Zelkova trees that exists in a transition zone between warm and cool temperate zones; therefore, it slightly differs from a typical temperate beech forest landscape.

  • 温帯北部型落葉樹林
    Ⅷ Northern cool temperate deciduous forest
    (温帯北部型落葉樹林)

    Northern cool temperate deciduous forests consist of Tilia, Acer, Quercus, Cercidiphyllum, Ulmus, and Kalopanax species, and occur in central and northern Hokkaido. They contain numerous subarctic elements but lack beeches (Fagus), which are typical of temperate forests in Japan. These forests resemble temperate deciduous forests found in the continental climate zone from North Korea to northeastern China.

  • アカマツ型針葉樹林
    Ⅸ Pine forest
    (アカマツ型針葉樹林)

    Natural Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) forests likely occurred over small areas on dry ridges and steep slopes in regions with granite bedrock. The current distribution of red pine forests as secondary vegetation is much broader, extending from southern Kyushu to the Tohoku region and from foothills to low mountain areas in the warm temperate zone, where evergreen broadleaf forests might naturally occur. Pine forests commonly appear as secondary vegetation in Japan, along with Q. acutissimaQ. serrata forests.

  • モミ・ツガ型針葉樹林
    Ⅹ Temperate conifer forest
    (モミ・ツガ型針葉樹林)

    AbiesTsuga forests, mainly composed of Abies firma and Tsuga sieboldii, occur in the intermediate zone between evergreen broadleaf forests that dominate the central warm temperate zone and deciduous broadleaf forests of the southern temperate zone. Generally, Tsuga forests are more prevalent along the Pacific coast, whereas Abies forests are well-developed inland. AbiesTsuga forests do not occur on the Japan Sea side of Japan.

  • ヒノキ・サワラ型針葉樹林
    Ⅺ Cool temperate conifer forest
    (ヒノキ・サワラ型針葉樹林)

    Cool temperate conifer forests occur in warm temperate to cool temperate zones. Natural forests of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), which serve as timber trees in Japan, belong to this forest type. However, in many cool temperate conifer forests, the origin of the trees—natural or planted—remains unclear. The iconic Five Trees of Kiso Valley (in present-day Nagano and Gifu Prefectures), which consist of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Thujopsis dolabrata, Thuja standishii, and Sciadopitys verticillata, also belong to this forest type.