Makino Botanical Garden: A Peaceful Nature Spot in Kochi, Japan

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Located on the summit of Mount Godaisan, overlooking Kochi City, Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is a peaceful place where visitors can enjoy nature and seasonal plants throughout the year.

The garden is about a 20-minute drive from Kochi Station. Surrounded by the natural scenery of Mount Godaisan, it is a popular spot for a relaxing walk while enjoying Kochi’s rich plant life.

The garden covers about 8 hectares, and the layout follows the natural terrain of the mountain. Walking along the paths through trees and gentle slopes feels almost like hiking in the forest.

It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the entire garden at a relaxed pace. Since there are slopes and stairs, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

A Garden Dedicated to Dr. Tomitaro Makino

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

The garden honors Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a botanist from Kochi who is often called the father of Japanese plant taxonomy.

Makino studied botany largely on his own and named more than 1,500 plant species during his lifetime, laying the foundation for plant classification in Japan.

Photo: Collection of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Many plants connected to Dr. Makino can be seen in the garden, including Baika-oren, a flower he loved, and Sueko-zasa, a bamboo species named after his wife.

By learning the stories behind these plants, visitors can enjoy the garden in a deeper way.

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

In the Makino Memorial Museum Exhibition Hall in the South Garden, visitors can learn about Makino’s life and research and view his botanical illustrations.

The building was designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, featuring a bright space that blends wood, glass, and natural light.

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Two Areas: North Garden and South Garden

Makino Botanical Garden has two main areas: the North Garden and the South Garden.

North Garden

This area recreates the natural vegetation of Kochi.

At the Tosa Plant Ecology Garden, visitors can observe plants that grow naturally in Kochi’s mountains and streams while walking along shaded forest paths.

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

South Garden

The South Garden was renovated in 2008 and features open lawns and a large greenhouse.

The greenhouse displays about 700 species of tropical and subtropical plants, allowing visitors to see unusual plants up close. It is also a popular place to visit on rainy days.

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Enjoy the Garden Through the Seasons

Spring (March–May)

Spring is the most colorful season.
Cherry blossoms bloom first, followed by wildflowers, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The fresh green leaves also make this a great season for photography.

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Early Summer to Summer (June–August)

Hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season, and the many trees provide shade, making the garden comfortable even in summer.

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn flowers such as fujibakama and bellflowers appear, and from late November the garden becomes colorful with autumn leaves.

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Winter (December–February)

Winter brings a calm atmosphere to the garden.

The greenhouse becomes especially attractive, and plum blossoms begin to bloom in late February.

Night Event: “Cherry Blossom Evening”(March 28–29, 2026)

During this special event, cherry blossoms and plants are illuminated at night, creating a beautiful atmosphere.

Visitors can also enjoy live music performances and workshops.

The restaurant and museum shop will stay open during the event.

Date: March 28–29, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last admission 7:30 PM)

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Cafés and Shops

The restaurant C.L.GARDEN, located in the Plant Research and Interaction Center, offers lunch and desserts made with local ingredients in a bright space overlooking the greenery of Mount Godaisan.

At Café Arbre in the Makino Memorial Museum, visitors can enjoy cakes and sweets along with an original tea inspired by Dr. Makino.

There are also two museum shops selling books and goods featuring Makino’s botanical illustrations.

A Place to Experience Kochi’s Nature

Photo: Courtesy of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Makino Botanical Garden is a place where visitors can enjoy plants while experiencing the nature and culture of Kochi.

Nearby Mount Godaisan also has an observation deck and Chikurin-ji Temple, making it a great area to explore.

If you visit Kochi, this garden is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing time surrounded by seasonal plants.

高知県立牧野植物園

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Address: 4200-6 Godaisan, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
TEL: +81-88-882-2601

Opening Hours:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)

Admission:
Adults: 850 yen
High school students and younger: Free

Closed:
Dec 27 – Jan 1
Maintenance days: Feb 24, May 25, Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 31, Sep 28, Oct 26, Nov 30, Jan 25 (2027)

Parking: Free

Access:
20 minutes by car from Kochi IC
About 30 minutes by MY-YU Bus from JR Kochi Station