Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden

Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden spans approximately 11 hectares on the slopes of Mount Handa in northern Okayama City. Established in 1964, it was created to preserve and showcase the region's native plant species while providing an educational resource for botanical research and public enjoyment. The garden serves as one of the few comprehensive botanical collections in the Chugoku region, housing over 3,250 plant species from Japan and around the world.

The garden's significance lies in its dual role as both a conservation facility and a living museum of plant diversity. Its collection emphasizes plants native to the warm-temperate climate zone of western Japan, including rare and endangered species from the Setouchi region. The garden also maintains specialized areas dedicated to medicinal plants, tropical and subtropical species in its greenhouse, and an extensive collection of roses featuring approximately 250 varieties.

Visitors can explore winding pathways that meander through distinct themed zones, including a Japanese garden area, rock garden, and aquatic plant pond. The main greenhouse complex allows observation of tropical plants regardless of weather conditions. The garden's elevated position provides occasional glimpses of Okayama's urban landscape below. Educational signage throughout the grounds offers botanical information suitable for casual visitors and serious plant enthusiasts alike. The relatively quiet atmosphere makes it popular with photographers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from city life.

The botanical garden is located approximately 7 kilometers north of central Okayama. Visitors can reach it by taking a bus from JR Okayama Station to the Handayama stop, with the journey taking roughly 30 minutes. The garden entrance is a short walk from the bus stop. For those driving, a free parking lot accommodates approximately 150 vehicles. Admission is 300 yen for adults and free for children under 15 years old.