Tohoku University Botanical Gardens Overview

This botanical garden was founded in 1958 by Tohoku University for research and education purposes. With the concept of a “natural-habitat botanical garden,” the Natural Monument Aobayama is maintained and open to the public. It spans roughly two thirds of our area. A number of wild plants collected in Japan are on display in the Rock Garden and the Marsh Garden, along with indoor exhibitions about nature and the botany of Aobayama. As a research facility, we work on maintenance of ex-situ strains and collection of herbarium specimens from the plants. Materials we own have been utilized by researchers from various fields. Another activity we are actively engaged is the conservation and research of endangered plants. As a National Historic Site, ruins are scattered all over the garden and the garden constitutes a part of the “Site of Sendai Castle.”

Access

By the Sendai Subway Tozai Line

Get off at the “International Center” (T04) and walk 12 minutes from the “West 1” exit. Alternatively, get off at “Kawauchi” (T03) and walk 12 minutes from the “South 2” exit.

By the Sendai Sightseeing City Loop Bus “Loople Sendai”

Get on the Bus at “① Sendai Station” from bus stop #16, get off at “⑤ Sendai City Museum / Sendai International Center” and walk 12 minutes from there.

By Car

Follow the Aoba-dori Avenue from central Sendai heading west, cross the Hirosegawa River and go straight unitil you reach a rotary. Take the first exit to the left. The free car park has 28 spots.

Admission Information

For your safety, Garden access is restricted due to the presence of wild boars. Only Rock Garden, Front Yard, Main Building and Path①–⑤ are open to public. Do not enter restricted areas.

Admission information(PDF)

Open Season	from Spring Equinox Day until November 30   For 2024, from April 2 until November 30
Hours	9:00 – 17:00 (Admission until 16:00)   For 2024, 10:00 – 15:00(Admission until 14:00)  Closed on Mondays (Open on a public holiday Monday and it is instead closed the day after)
Fares	For 2024, free Individuals Adult : 230 yen Clildren (Elementary / Junior High School):110 yen Groups(30 people and above)Adult: 170 yen Children: 90 yen Year Pass Adult: 1000yen Children: 500yen * Group tickets and Year Passes are available exclusively at the Main Entrance. * Readmission is possible for the same day and same person by presenting the receipt of the purchased ticket. * Students and staff members of Tohoku University are requested to present their ID.

For Visitors

Aobayama, the botanical garden, is designated as a Natural Monument. To preserve our valuable nature and ensure a pleasant stay in the garden, please follow the rules below.

1. Treat plants and animals gently. Taking or damaging animals, plants and rocks is prohibited.
2. Be aware of mountain fires.
3. As it affects the behaviors of wild animals and causes inconveniences for other visitors, please refrain from the following
   • Bringing your pet into the garden
   • Playing baseball or other sports
   • Playing an instrument or shouting
   • Bringing alcohol into the garden
   • Littering
   • Smoking
4. Follow the rules displayed in the gardens and the instructions of our staff members.

Safety Information for Visitors

As the botanical garden is kept close to the natural state of a mountain forest, the trails are uneven mountain paths. Please enter with clothes and footwear suitable for active walking.

1. There are stairs and slopes. Please choose a course suited to your physique.
2. Do not approach cliffs or hang over the safety rail.
3. Watch out for falling branchers or even entiretrees, especially during strong wind.
4. Watch out for dangerous insects, such as hornets. When they come near you, leave quietly without stimulating them.
5. Some spots are slippery. Take special care during wet conditions.
6. Beware of heat strokes on hot days. Please be sure to stay hydrated and rest sufficiently in shady places.