As lockdown measures get lifted more and more, venues are reopening to the public. This much needed action comes after weeks of heartache for many.

At the Tateshina Bamboo Botanical Garden in Nagano, the decision has been made to open a full-scale strolling garden for free from June 5 to October 31.
The garden boasts more than 20,000 square meters and more than 120 different plant species.
With plenty of events already cancelled, the opening of the gardens for free is a blessing during these uncertain times.

During June the bamboo becomes it’s most beautiful, and can be seen adorning brightly coloured green leaves due to the amount of sunlight it takes in during the early summer. In the rainy season, the same leaves shine and sparkle with the dew.
Alongside the backdrop of the thick bamboo grass, a variety of cherry blossoms may still appear after the end of spring, as paths of brightly coloured hydrangea weave their way through the park in the early summer.
As we approach autumn expect to see a number of irises, various flower species and a range of colourful autumn leaves.

One of the most popular parts within the gardens is the Sukiya-zakura style area, which was designed by the traditional Japanese architect, Kiyoshi Yasui – a craftsman who was involved in the “Showa Renovation” of Katsura imperial villa. Sukiya-zakura is a type of traditional Japanese residential architecture that normally resembles tea house styles and aesthetics. The style first came to popularity in Kyoto where it can continue to be seen today in many of the old shopping streets and residential narrow roads.

The Gardens

The Tateshina Bamboo Botanical Garden prides itself on having bamboo grasses that are both domestic and from overseas. The bamboo garden area was designed and constructed with support from the Fuji Bamboo Botanical garden in Shizuoka Prefecture, which is currently the largest bamboo garden in Asia.
In addition to the wide range of bamboo species, the bamboo garden at Tateshina is also home to the world's largest tsukubai (washing basin placed at the entrance of a holy place), and houses a statue of one of the seven gods of luck; Daikoku. On top of all of that, the bamboo garden also features a Jomon Kiln – a bamboo roofed Jomon era dwelling that represents a historical part of Japan’s Jomon culture.

The Sukiya Garden area highlights features designed by the master craftsman, Kiyoshi Yasui and the Medicinal Botanical Garden area has a focus on the most valuable and beautiful medicinal plant species that can be found in Nagano Prefecture. The flowers in the medicinal botanical garden are arranged in an specific order so that they can be enjoyed as they bloom across the seasons.

The gardens will be operating a free entry system from June 5 to October 31, 2020.
The park asks that customers keep a safe distance from others when visiting the park and to refrain from entering if they are feeling unwell.
The safety of customers and staff is held in the highest regard with sanitation stations having been set up around the gardens at certain intervals.
It is important to note that changes may be made depending on the ongoing status of COVID-19 in the area. Any updates will be made available on the garden’s website, facebook and twitter accounts.
For parties of people arriving with more than 15 people, the gardens ask for reservations to be made in advance. Reservations can be made here.

Location: Tateshina Bamboo Botanical Garden, 11400 Harayama, Tamagawa, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture 1017
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
*The gardens are closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.