The Plant Research Garden (植物研究園) in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, will hold its autumn public opening for eight days, from Tuesday, November 24 to Tuesday, December 1, 2026. The opening is being held by the 公益財団法人 市村清新技術財団, and the garden is normally limited to researchers involved in plant research. For this limited period, it will be open to everyone free of charge.
Across a site of approximately 12,270 sq m (slightly less than two soccer fields), visitors can enjoy an autumn landscape of colorful autumn leaves, a natural stream, ponds, and moss-covered garden stones.
A Historic Japanese Garden Shaped by the Natural Terrain
The garden originated as 清恵荘, the villa of the late Kiyoshi Ichimura, founder of the Ricoh Sanai Group (リコー三愛グループ), and his wife, 幸恵. It was later used as a recreational facility for the group, and in 1988 (Showa 63) it was bequeathed to the 市村清新技術財団 in accordance with the wishes of 幸恵.
The garden sits in the hills of Atami, on a gentle south-southeast-facing slope at an elevation of 277 to 310 m. Making use of the natural stream and slopes, it is home to a variety of trees, flowering plants, and mosses.
With the natural murmur of the stream left as it is and ponds and garden stones skillfully arranged, the garden has taken on the composed character of a Japanese garden over about 80 years.
It is not normally open to the public. It welcomes visitors only twice a year, in spring, when fresh greenery and flowers are at their best, and in autumn, when the leaves reach their peak.
Three Highlights of the Autumn Opening
1. A Japanese Garden Colored by Autumn Leaves
In autumn, maples and other trees turn red, orange, and yellow, and the whole garden is wrapped in vivid autumn colors.
Autumn leaves overhead, fallen leaves underfoot, and the contrast with the green of the garden stones and moss all give the garden a different look depending on where you walk and where you look.
2. Autumn Leaves with the Stream and Ponds
A stream that follows the natural terrain runs through the garden, and ponds, garden stones, and trees come together in a single landscape.
In autumn, the colored trees are reflected on the water's surface, and together with the sound of the stream, visitors can enjoy a quiet garden scene with a sense of depth.
3. Eight Special Days to Walk a Garden Not Usually Open to the Public
The Plant Research Garden is normally a facility used mainly by researchers.
During the public opening, visitors can walk along stone-paved paths laid out along the natural slope and experience a rich natural environment that nurtures plants through the four seasons.
Away from the bustle of central Atami, this is a once-a-year opportunity to spend a relaxed autumn moment in a historic Japanese garden.
Plant Research Garden (植物研究園) 2026 Autumn Public Opening
- Dates: Tuesday, November 24 to Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Admission: Free
- Location: Plant Research Garden (植物研究園), 公益財団法人 市村清新技術財団, 11-8 Ainohara-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Access: From JR Atami Station, 15 minutes by taxi, or about 25 minutes by bus. Take the bus bound for "Ainohara Danchi" (相の原団地) from Bus Terminal Stop 1 in front of the station and get off at "Kami-Ainohara" (上相の原).
- Official website: https://www.sgkz.or.jp/
Parking spaces are limited, so please use public transportation. The opening schedule may change depending on circumstances, so please check the foundation's official website before visiting.
