The Tohoku University Botanical Gardens

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 13^th and 14^th 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.

New Professor!!

Dr. Martin Robert arrived at Tohoku University in April, and is in charge of two lectures this semester.  Here is an interview with Dr. Robert.

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Montreal, Canada.

Sakura Season!

The season for cherry blossoms has finally come. Sakura, which means cherry blossoms in Japanese, is becoming a known word worldwide these days. In major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, and areas further south, the season arrives three weeks earlier than the Tohoku area. Since cherry petals usually fall in a week or so, most of them in southern areas have already fallen by now.  This proves Japan’s profoundly long north-south geographical length.

If you walk a few blocks from Tohoku University’s Kawauchi Campus, now you can find many trees bearing pink petals. The contrast of colors—blue and pink—looks perfectly uplifting when the sky is clear. 

In fact, many students of student circles plan “cherry-blossom-viewing” parties to welcome the freshmen in April. Some of the best places for that are Nishi-Park and Tsutsujigaoka-Park. Nishi-Park is within walking distance from Kawauchi Campus, and stage shows are held there for those who would like to sing songs during sakura season.

Tsutsujigaoka-Park is famous for “weeping cherry trees,” whose long braches dangle and sway in the wind. It is very close to Sendai Station, so the park fills with people who travel all the way from far places.

Every year around this time, there are reports that quite a few people binge-drink while viewing sakura, and are taken to hospital due to alcohol poisoning. Some of them end up dying. So please enjoy the sakura, but we advise you to avoid drinking if you are underage, or drink in moderation if you are an adult!