Sendai is
known for its greenery, and the Tohoku University Botanical Gardens, located on
the south side of Kawauchi campus, is one of the reasons why. This facility
consists of a botanical museum, gardens, and well-maintained walking trails
that wind through a scenic woods. Tohoku University students can enter the
grounds free of charge during business hours by showing their Student ID Cards
at the ticket counter.
 |
| The grounds are planted with various flowers and scenic plants |
The Botanical
Gardens were established in 1958, but the history of this land goes back much
farther. The woods were originally part of the grounds of Aoba Castle, and have
been kept in more or less the same condition since 1600. However, they contain
stone monuments, pictured at right, that are much older, dating back to the 13th
and 14th centuries.  |
| Following the trails into the woods, you may feel that you have become lost in a Tolkien novel! |
There are
various signs on the trails providing useful or interesting information. For
example, signs on the trees tell you the species name in Japanese and English
(below left). Signposts on the path (below right) show you an overall view of
the trails. The number in the red circle indicates which signpost you are
standing at, while the red X's indicate trails that are currently closed.
The below right photo was taken at signpost 5, as you can see on the map.
If you follow
the trail upwards for awhile, you will reach the below recreation area. It has many shady
places to sit and is a perfect spot for a picnic. There is also a second entrance/exit near here.
The Tohoku
University Botanical Gardens are a perfect place to relax and stretch your
legs. Please take advantage of your free admission to enjoy them!
Hours: 9AM to
5PM (gates close at 4PM)
Days: Open every
day except Monday*
Access: See Kawauchi Campus Map
(Park will be closed for the winter from November 30)
*Unless
Monday is a national holiday, in which case it will be closed on the following
day.