Rokka no Mori

Rokka no Mori (六花の森, meaning "Forest of Six Flowers") is a botanical garden and art museum located in Nakasatsunai, in the Tokachi region of eastern Hokkaido. The 10-hectare garden was established by Rokkatei, one of Hokkaido's most beloved confectionery companies, to showcase the natural beauty that inspires their packaging designs and brand identity.

The garden takes its name from the six wildflowers native to Tokachi that appear on Rokkatei's product wrapping paper: ezo-ryu-kinkasousa, hamanasu, エゾリンドウ (ezo-rindo), ooyama-zakura, katakuri, and shirobanaezo-engosaku. These seasonal blooms, along with hundreds of other plant species, create a rotating display of color from late April through October. The landscape features meadows, forest paths, and small streams that reflect the unspoiled character of Hokkaido's eastern plains.

Within the grounds, visitors can explore five small gallery buildings designed to blend into the natural setting. These spaces display original paintings and illustrations by Sakaida Kakō, the artist whose botanical watercolors have graced Rokkatei packaging since the 1970s. The intimate galleries allow close examination of her delicate, nature-focused work while maintaining the contemplative atmosphere of the garden itself.

Rokka no Mori is most easily reached by car, located approximately 15 minutes southwest of Obihiro city center along Route 236. Public transportation options are limited, though some visitors arrange taxis from Obihiro Station, which is served by JR trains from Sapporo (approximately 2.5 hours). The garden provides free parking for those driving.