What to Do at Rokka no Mori
Immerse Yourself in the Nature of Art
Rokka no Mori is primarily an immersive experience in the arts, including the arts of nature. Scattered throughout the garden are artworks like the metallic sculpture by Bando Yu inspired by Rodin’s The Thinker that sits on a grassy knoll. Wild animal sculptures created by Aoki Sanshiro can be found in the forest and along the river.
Themed Galleries
Everything is in accordance with the vision of Oda Yutaka, former president of a confectioner called Rokkatei and the founder of Rokka no Mori. He has created a place where visitors can contemplate art in galleries that were once traditional country houses in Croatia. Built of stone and broad wooden beams, they were imported and reconstructed on the grounds.
Each gallery has a different theme. One exhibits the wildflower art of Sakamoto Naoyuki, whose illustrations on the packaging of cookies and cakes have become the synonymous with the Rokkatei brand. Boxes of Rokkatei cookies after a trip to Hokkaido are common gifts, making the packaging familiar to people throughout the country.
Another gallery showcases Sakamoto’s landscape paintings and drawings, including illustrations of the mountains of Hokkaido. Still another highlights the 60-year legacy of Silo, a magazine that Oda sponsors dedicated to supporting the arts in Obihiro.
Art in the Wild
Artistic expression is everywhere, not just the art on exhibit. Outdoor artworks can be found throughout the garden. The most famous symbol of the garden is the Bando sculpture. The statue draws visitors up the hill, which in turn offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and Rokka no Mori itself.
The buildings have a down-to-earth ambiance. Some have only a few small windows, while others have enormous ones that showcase parts of the garden alongside the artwork. They may have been homes in the past, but they are now part of the dynamic design of Rokka no Mori.
Wandering the Grounds
Visitors are allowed to freely roam the garden and galleries. It is rare to encounter any staff here other than at the entrance and the factory. This hands-off approach fosters a sense that this place belongs to the visitor.
The garden café and shop are housed in a part of Rokkatei’s very modern production building, in what was once the employee cafeteria. The glass wall of the café is so large that the space seems to be half outdoors, like a terrace. The café menu features hearty meals, sweets, and coffee and tea.
Visitors to Rokka no Mori often find themselves inhaling the scent of the sweet treats being baked at the factory. After that, it is tempting to buy the cookies and other sweets in the Rokkatei shop.
Please follow this link [link to About page] to read the story behind Rokka no Mori.
