Hiraoka Arboriculture Centre (Midoream)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is an unusual garden in Kiyota Ward, created to showcase the art of tending trees. The stars are the Japanese yews clipped into rounded shapes, a tree long loved in Hokkaido under the local name onko. Seeing them lined up in neat order gives the quiet feel of a Japanese garden rather than a park. In summer the foliage grows thick and forms shade like a green tunnel, so you can walk noticeably cooler than in the city, which is very welcome. Entry is free, making it an easy stop on the way after lunch. Since every tree has its own shape, walking around while choosing with your children which one you like best keeps everyone interested to the end.

Tips

Check the opening season, closed days and hours in advance. As a garden, it is not suited to running around. Telling children that this is a place for looking at the shapes of trees as you walk helps them stay calm. Insects are plentiful at this time of year, so repellent makes things more comfortable. Shinei Harudori Park is only a few minutes away by car, so you can be in the water before 14:00.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 10 minutes. The shade is deep here, so it is easy to walk even in the middle of the day

Access & map

〒004-0874 北海道札幌市清田区平岡４条３丁目１−１