Ueno Farm on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido is an enchanted garden dream. Its developers sought to achieve English charm and succeeded quite nicely. Stroll along brick paths leading to cozy benches in a magical maze of plants.
The growing year begins in May with a riot of color from varied bulbs, including some unique to Japan. Soon oriental poppies and lupines command attention, followed by roses and delphiniums. Coneflowers, phlox and asters round out the season. Look for small animals darting among the plants. Decide which setting you like best by wandering through 10 themed garden areas.
A gnome lives in the first themed garden children are often busy here trying to spot him. This may prove to be difficult as he reportedly comes out to tend his plants only after midnight.
The White Birch Path is stunning with its red and yellow flowers of spring, while the Mirror Border will please anyone who likes perfect symmetry. Enter the Jewel Path that has a Purple Walk and a very English-style garden with a circular pattern and swaths of roses.
The Long Border features a 160-foot-long (50-meter) bed of hardy vegetation, while the Mother’s Garden nearby has its own special atmosphere. Listen for the wind going through poplar trees and giving the name to the Voices of the Tree Garden. Climb a large hill known as Shateki Mountain, with a magnificent view at the top. If you haven’t seen any gnomes during your excursion, at least follow the gnome’s footpath running from the Gnome’s Garden to Shateki Mountain.
Purchase items at the Garden Shop or the nearby café and soft-serve ice cream stall.
Get to Ueno Farm in Asahikawa’s Nagayamacho district by taking the JR Sekihoku Main Line to Sakuraoka station, or Nagayama station on the JR Soya Main Line, followed by a short walk or taxi ride. The gardens are open daily from late April to mid October. Children age 12 and under have free admission.
