Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is located on Mount Godai in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, and was established to honor the achievements of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the father of plant taxonomy in Japan. The vast grounds, which make use of the undulating terrain of Mount Godai, are home to approximately 3,000 rare plants from all over Japan and the world, where you can observe the beautiful flowers and plant ecology of each season. There is also an exhibit that recreates Dr. Makino's laboratory and a corner that introduces his life, making this a facility where you can experience the depths of botany.

The greatest attraction of this botanical garden is its beautiful scenery, the diversity of plants, and the fact that you can feel Dr. Makino's passion. In the greenhouse, tropical plants grow lushly, making you feel as if you are exploring a jungle. In the outdoor garden, Japanese plants, medicinal plants, and plants from around the world are systematically planted by area, and you can carefully observe the unique beauty and characteristics of each plant. In particular, the plants discovered and named by Dr. Makino are a must-see.

The Makino Tomitaro Memorial Museum, located in Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, is a modern building designed by architect Hiroshi Naito. It houses about 60,000 books and personal belongings, and the permanent exhibition room introduces the doctor's life and research results through hands-on exhibits and videos. About 250 species of plants related to the doctor are planted in the courtyard, making it a learning center where you can feel close to the achievements of the father of taxonomy.

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is not just a place to appreciate plants, but also a place to refresh your mind and body in nature. You can spend your time strolling the vast grounds or sitting on a bench and looking at the scenery. There is also a cafe and shop, so you can enjoy looking for goods and souvenirs unique to the botanical garden.

Since the garden opened in 1958, researchers and tourists have visited, and the charm of botany is conveyed through lectures and theater screenings. It also has a planetarium, providing a place of learning for a wide range of generations.

[Trivia]
The admission fee to Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is free on April 24th, which is the birthday of Dr. Tomitaro Makino.

[Useful points of concern]
Because the grounds are so vast, it will take time to see everything and you will have to walk quite a bit. There are slopes and stairs, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. In the summer, the sun can be strong and there can be many insects, so you will need to bring a hat, drink water, and insect repellent.