Tokachi Millennium Forest
Nurtured to Last a Thousand Years
Tokachi Millennium Forest (Tokachi Sennen no Mori) exemplifies a naturalistic approach to horticulture that considers what a garden is and could be. The idea behind this approach, of a natural forest environment that can last a thousand years, is the vision of distinguished British garden designer Dan Pearson. The Forest offers the greater gardening community a model of how to nurture woodlands and gardens instead of subduing and controlling them.
Tokachi Millennium Forest covers 400 hectares in several ecosystems, including farmland, meadows, rolling hills, and forest. Walking the entire expanse in a single day is impossible. Guided tours on Segways and on horseback make it possible to roam further.
The gardeners work hard to retain a wild ambiance that reflects the natural geography and supports indigenous flora and fauna and their various ecosystems. Each ecosystem is supplied with essential food and cover for insects, birds, and other animals.
Cheese made from milk supplied by the herd of goats in the Forest has won national awards. In the cheese-making kitchen, visitors can make their own and eat it as well. Much of the fruit, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers served at the garden café come from the farm’s gardens.
There are five gardens: The Earth Garden, Meadow Garden, Forest Garden, Farm Garden and HGS Designer’s Garden. The first two have won several international awards, including the Grand Award from the Society of Garden Designers in 2012.
Tokachi Millennium Forest is open daily between late April and mid-October during daylight hours.