Tokachi Millennium Forest
A vast, artfully designed park in Hokkaido featuring manicured meadows, serene woods, and unique art installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery and blooming flowers
Tokachi Millennium Forest
Best Time
Lush greenery and blooming flowers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, artfully designed park in Hokkaido featuring manicured meadows, serene woods, and unique art installations.
"A peaceful escape with stunning gardens and charming baby goats, perfect for nature lovers."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across varied terrain. Prioritize comfort for an enjoyable experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The park offers endless photo opportunities, especially the Meadow Garden. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meadow Garden
Central area
Vast, rolling meadows dotted with vibrant flowers, creating a picturesque landscape.
Earth Garden
Near the entrance
A unique garden designed by Dan Pearson, featuring naturalistic planting and artistic elements.
Forest Trails
Throughout the park
Wander through serene woods, listen to the gentle creek, and enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
Art Installations
Scattered across the park
Discover whimsical art pieces, including works by Yoko Ono, adding a creative touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across varied terrain. Prioritize comfort for an enjoyable experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The park offers endless photo opportunities, especially the Meadow Garden. Bring your camera! 
🐐 Meet the Goats!
Don't miss the chance to see and even feed the adorable baby goats in the pasture.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy a meal at the cafe, known for its fresh, colorful, and delicious vegetable dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across varied terrain. Prioritize comfort for an enjoyable experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The park offers endless photo opportunities, especially the Meadow Garden. Bring your camera!
🐐 Meet the Goats!
Don't miss the chance to see and even feed the adorable baby goats in the pasture.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy a meal at the cafe, known for its fresh, colorful, and delicious vegetable dishes.
🚗 Consider a Car
While accessible, having a car offers more flexibility to explore the wider Tokachi region.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Tokachi Millennium Forest for its beautifully maintained gardens, serene forest walks, and the delightful presence of baby goats. The landscape design, particularly the Meadow Garden, is frequently highlighted as a picturesque highlight. However, some find the park to be a bit too manicured or lacking in diverse attractions, with one reviewer describing it as 'boring' and suited for bus tours.
"I introduce Tokachi Millennium Forest.
It is in Shimizu town, Hokkaido.
The forest has an old silo and some buildings.
I thought the old silo looked like something from a Ghibli animation.
I walked in the forest.
When I went out of the forest, I found a cute café.
I ate lunch at the café.
It had a lot of vegetables.
The vegetables were colorful and delicious.
I saw many baby goats.
I gave food to them that I bought.
I thought the baby goats were very cute.
I felt very peaceful here.
This place is very comfortable."
ちくわとかまぼこ（とも）
"Well maintained huge garden. Agradable walking in the woods, listening to the creek flow and gazing at goats in the pasture. .. Although it was raining but fresh air. Relaxing walk around."
zara k-tai
"Great for a pleasant stroll among different plants, flowers, and landscapes. It's a large manicured park, with forests, grassland and flower beds. This place is suitable for people with small children and dogs.
Perhaps there is a grander vision to this place that I didn't appreciate. I found it boring. We went in May so there was a constant drone of noisy insects from the forests."
YY Gid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The forest is located in Shimizu town, Hokkaido. It's best accessed by car, offering flexibility for exploring the region. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus schedules if relying on them.
Tokachi Millennium Forest is a significant drive from Sapporo, typically around 2.5 to 3 hours by car. It's often visited as part of a longer Hokkaido road trip.
There is ample parking available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, it can be visited as a day trip, especially if you are staying in the Tokachi region. However, to truly appreciate its beauty, an overnight stay is recommended.
Information on shuttle services can be limited. It's advisable to check with local tourist information centers or your accommodation for the most up-to-date transport options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary by season and any special events. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing information before your visit.
Opening hours are typically seasonal, with longer hours during the peak summer months and shorter hours in spring and autumn. Winter access may be limited. Always verify current hours online.
Advance booking is generally not required for general admission, but it's always a good idea to check the official website, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or for specific events.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or groups is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with the park's administration or check their official website for any available offers.
Yes, the park is generally dog-friendly, making it suitable for visitors with pets. However, always ensure your dog is leashed and clean up after them.
📸 📸 Photography
The Meadow Garden is a prime spot for stunning landscape photography, especially when the Persicaria polymorpha blooms. The Earth Garden and forest trails also offer beautiful, serene shots.
Regulations regarding drone usage can be strict in natural parks. It's essential to check the park's official guidelines or contact them directly to inquire about drone photography permissions.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the gardens and meadows.
The combination of blooming flowers with the distant Hidaka Mountains in the background is a highly recommended photo opportunity.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the park administration in advance to inquire about permits and any associated fees.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the park that serves meals, often featuring fresh, local vegetables. It's a great spot to refuel after exploring.
The cafe is known for its healthy and colorful dishes, with a strong emphasis on fresh vegetables. Lunch sets are a popular choice.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery while having a meal.
The nearest dining options would likely be in Shimizu town or other nearby towns in the Tokachi region. Exploring local eateries can be a great way to experience regional cuisine.
Yes, there is a gift shop that may offer local food products, including charcuterie made from Tokachi Mangalica pigs, known for their quality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many areas are dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry family members along for the adventure. The gentle forest trails are also suitable for younger children, providing opportunities for nature walks and discovery. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, making it a full day of family fun.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The park's well-maintained paths and the calming ambiance make it ideal for a mindful walk. Finding a quiet bench amidst the flowers or by a babbling creek can be a deeply restorative experience. It's a place to recharge and enjoy your own company surrounded by nature's artistry.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+1Art enthusiasts will appreciate the various art installations scattered throughout the park, including works by notable artists like Yoko Ono. These pieces provide interesting subjects and add a contemporary edge to the natural scenery, creating opportunities for creative and thought-provoking photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Landscape Design
+1The Earth Garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Dan Pearson, offers a more intimate and contemplative experience. It features a harmonious blend of textures, colors, and forms, drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment. Visitors often describe the design as 'whimsical' and 'artistic,' highlighting the thoughtful integration of plants and natural elements.
+1These gardens are not static; they evolve with the seasons, offering a dynamic and ever-changing beauty. The careful selection of plants ensures continuous visual interest, from the vibrant blooms of summer to the subtle textures of autumn and the quiet repose of winter. This dedication to seasonal beauty is a hallmark of the park's design philosophy.
Exploring the Forest and Wildlife
A delightful surprise for many visitors is the presence of baby goats grazing in the pastures. These charming animals add a touch of life and joy to the landscape, and visitors often have the opportunity to feed them, creating memorable interactions. This aspect of the park is frequently highlighted as a particularly heartwarming experience.
The park's natural setting provides a peaceful environment for relaxation and reflection. Whether you're seeking a vigorous hike or a gentle stroll, the forest trails offer a chance to connect with nature and experience the serene beauty of Hokkaido's countryside.
Artistic Expressions in Nature
Notably, the park has hosted works by internationally acclaimed artists, including Yoko Ono. Her contributions, along with those of other artists, transform the park into an open-air gallery, prompting contemplation and dialogue between nature and human creativity.
These artistic elements enhance the overall atmosphere of the park, offering moments of surprise and inspiration. They encourage visitors to look beyond the natural beauty and appreciate the interplay between the environment and artistic vision, making for a richer and more multifaceted visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit