Greenhouses

Garden map/facilities

The Tropical Plant Pavilion is a hidden paradise

Rare tropical plants thrive in the Tropical Plant Pavilion, on both sides of a small brook created by the waterfall cascading down huge rocks. Surround yourself with giant plants in this fascinating tropical world. The Tropical Herb Pavilion is a hothouse which houses a collection of Japan’s first ‘tropical herbs’, a total of 70 species, of which 20 are aromatic. The marble fountain in the center of the hothouse is said to be medieval Italian and of great antique value, but as there is no manufacturer’s signature this may not be accurate. The highlight is the oldest bougainvillea in Japan. Only here can you view such a plant. It seems to have been cultivated like a bonsai tree, and with a trunk 30 cm wide. It's a must-see!

What are tropical herbs?

Most people, when they hear the word ‘herb’ probably think of cool-climate or temperate herbs such as mint or lavender. But there are many well-known tropical herbs as well, such as vanilla and cinnamon. Herbs are generally thought to have modest, simple flowers, but in the tropical regions many have beautiful blooms, such as torch ginger, beehive ginger and ylang-ylang which are cultivated in the pavilion. Among spices, pepper and turmeric are well-known. Tropical herbs are becoming more and more familiar thanks to the ethnic food boom and the health boom.