In a corner of Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate City, known for its abundant hot spring water that soothes people, there is a popular tourist spot where people can be seen enjoying a relaxing soak every day, and it's simply adorable.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden has garnered attention for its bold idea of ​​using hot spring water, which is available only during the winter season (December 1st to early May) for its captive monkeys to bathe in, and it has even been featured on a promotional poster for Yunokawa Onsen.

While it's certainly tempting to see them enveloped in steam, greenhouses are actually wonderful places where you can spend a fulfilling time!

So, this time, I'd like to introduce you to the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden.
We've thoroughly covered everything from the park's atmosphere to the monkey enclosure and greenhouse highlights! We hope you find it helpful♪

<Table of Contents>
1. About the situation inside the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
2. A huge hit with all ages! How to enjoy the monkey mountain
3. Let's introduce the highlights of the greenhouse!
4. Must check it out! Try participating in the event too!
5. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: Facility Details and Access Information
Final thoughts

Located right on the oceanfront, the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a familiar and beloved facility that serves as a place of relaxation for the city's residents.
In fact, the front yard features flowerbeds where you can see flowers of all seasons, and the design is such that you can enjoy the property both indoors and outdoors.

But that's not the only reason for its popularity!

Point 1: You can take a foot bath!

Since it's also a hot spring source, the fact that you can enjoy a footbath all year round is a major plus!
You can enjoy a luxurious time relaxing in the hot springs while admiring the flowers in the garden.

The temperature isn't too hot, so you can get in at just the right temperature♪

Point 2: There are playground equipment for toddlers!

There are playground equipment right in front of the footbath, so those with children can simply sit on a bench and watch them...
Instead, with this, I can babysit while soaking my feet in a footbath.

As the weather gets warmer, we see an increase in families bringing packed lunches for picnics, as well as couples coming for leisurely strolls.
Furthermore, there's a "Water Plaza" at the back of the property where you can enjoy playing in the water during the summer!

First, you have to look here before you can even begin! So...
I'd like to take a look from the monkey mountain on the left side of the park.

The animals being kept are Japanese macaques.
Their basic characteristics include a body length of 50-70 cm and a lifestyle of living primarily in groups.

They're intelligent and think and act in ways that are surprisingly similar to humans!

Those are the monkeys.
Let's go beyond simply watching and share some tips on how to enjoy it even more!

★ Boost your own mood

First of all, honestly expressing your feelings will definitely boost your mood.
Anyway, the monkeys here are really adorable!

I think that even without consciously trying, your mood will naturally lift the moment you see it.
In fact, you could hear squeals of "So cute!" everywhere.
*Of course, I screamed too.

Incidentally, those monkeys are raised by zookeepers and live in the monkey mountain every day.
After the morning cleaning is finished, the monkeys move to this monkey enclosure and spend their time as they please.

★ Observe the monkey's personality

Naturally, monkeys also seem to have personalities; some are shy, some are outgoing, and others are more interested in food than hot springs, and so on...
You can figure it out by observing their actions, so let's observe carefully.

Some of them were sad because they couldn't get any food and had it stolen from them.
But don't worry! There are zookeepers there, so it's unlikely that they'll go a whole day without food.

★Try feeding the monkeys

This is a paid service, but it's recommended for those who want to become closer to the monkeys!
It contains corn, wheat flour, rice bran oil cake, vitamins, and minerals.

I bought it too, of course!
You can purchase these at the reception desk. (100 yen per bag)

There's quite a lot in each bag, so one bag might be enough for one group.
Also, while you'll be throwing this food towards the monkey enclosure, please refrain from throwing it into the hot spring pool to maintain cleanliness.

And now, without further ado, here is the main hot spring pool!
The bathtub is quite spacious, and you can still see people enjoying the hot springs.Typically from December 1st to around Golden Week in May.Until.

You can see the monkeys at other times of the year too!

Incidentally, monkeys don't bathe to clean themselves like humans do; they simply bathe to warm up because it's cold.
Because the hairs are relatively long, they don't easily penetrate the skin, so you don't get cold after bathing.

Many kids have secured a spot where the hot water is flowing, and some are even applying it directly to their shoulders!
And apparently, some people check the temperature of the hot spring with their hands before getting in, while others won't enter if it's not their preferred temperature.

The sight of monkeys relaxing in a hot spring, almost like humans, is quite a rare and precious one.
Enjoy the scenery that is unique to Japan!

Enjoying plants is a leisurely stroll. Even those who aren't particularly interested in plants will find it appealing.
The moment you step inside, a tropical world, completely different from the outside world, unfolds before your eyes.

The greenhouse is full of rare plants that can be found on southern islands and other similar places!
With approximately 300 different types and 3,000 trees on display, including ice cream trees, chewing gum trees, bread trees, and sausage trees, it's quite an impressive sight!

Along the walking trail, in the stream area, you'll find places where medaka fish have been released for ornamental purposes, as well as areas where firefly larvae live!

The angel's trumpet can be seen all year round.
Its country of origin is Brazil, and it belongs to the nightshade family!

Even the familiar hibiscus flowers are always in full bloom, thanks to the dedicated care of the garden directors who nurture them with such care.

This is also a bougainvillea garden where flowers bloom all year round, and it's truly beautiful!
There's an observation deck in the center of the greenhouse, so you can enjoy the view from a slightly elevated position.

When you change your perspective, a different world unfolds, and it looks as if a carpet of flowers has been laid out!
You're sure to be captivated by the beauty of the flowers... Please take your time and enjoy them!

Various events and activities are held inside the greenhouse every month.

For example, we could invite an instructor to take photos of plants, flowers, or animals (smartphones are OK), or we could offer pottery making experiences, shiitake mushroom cultivation (using logs for inoculation), aromatherapy and herb classes, etc.

Participation is generally open, but the content varies each month, so if you're interested, please inquire in advance!
*Participation in the workshop is subject to a fee. Due to limited capacity, participation may not be possible on the day of the event.

【Facility information】
Address:3-1-15 Yukawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0138-57-7833
Opening time
November to March, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
November to March, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed days: December 29th - January 1st
Admission fee: Adults 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen *Free for children under elementary school age
(Students attending schools within Hakodate City, or those residing in Hakodate City but attending schools outside the city, are admitted free of charge.)
Official HP:http://www.hako-eco.com/index.html
[Access]
By train: From Hakodate Station, take the bus to the Yunokawa terminal (25 minutes). After getting off at the Yunokawa terminal, walk for 15 minutes.
By bus: From Hakodate Station to Tropical Botanical Garden (20 minutes by Hakodate Bus)

If going directly from the airport: From Hakodate Airport to Yunokawa Onsen (8 minutes by Hakodate Teisan Bus)
By taxi: 15 minutes from Hakodate Station.

There are always taxis waiting in front of the facility, so please feel free to call one!
They'll happily give you a ride even for short distances!

Final thoughts

This botanical garden, a popular tourist spot in Hakodate and beloved by locals, is full of playful touches!

And the fact that you can even feel the "will to live" of animals and plants shows how skillfully they are combined.
I think you'll get a lot of energy from this place overflowing with the power of "life"!

If you ever come to Hakodate, be sure to visit!

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  Walking through a world of white snow on snowshoes! Winter at Kita-Nemuro Ranchway

• 

  A guide to the mystical, cobalt-blue spring, "Kami no Koike" (Child of God Pond), including its charm and how to get there!

• 

  From winter to spring. The Lake Akan Candle Ice Cruise: [An unforgettable experience lasting just one week]

• 

  Winter offers plenty of attractions to visit! Hokkaido travel in January: Highlights!

• 

  A complete guide to getting to Asahiyama Zoo! Access and parking information [from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, and Asahikawa city] 2017 edition

• 

  7 of Sapporo's Best Bakeries! Local favorites, from famous shops to hidden gems!

• 

  How to enjoy sightseeing at Cape Erimo, the remote cape you must visit at least once.

• 

  Maruyama Bar Kuro | A luxurious experience of exquisite Italian cuisine using Hokkaido ingredients and vintage wines.

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)