Morino Old Medicinal Herb Garden

In short

Morino Old Medicinal Herb Garden is an Edo-period herb garden located in the Uda-Matsuyama Townscape, stretching across the hillside behind the long-established Yoshinokuzu shop "Morino Yoshinokuzu Honpo." Opened in 1729 (Kyoho 14), it is considered the oldest private medicinal herb garden in Japan. It was designated a national historic site in 1926 (Taisho 15), and around 250 species of medicinal plants and trees continue to grow here today.

• ​Traces of the Edo Period​​: It is said to have begun when Morino Tosuke planted seeds and seedlings of medicinal herbs bestowed by the shogunate, and it is regarded as a rare herb garden that preserves its Edo-period appearance intact.
• ​Spring Katakuri​​: From late March to early April, Asian fawn lily (katakuri) flowers bloom in clusters.
• ​Overlooking the Town​​: From the hillside garden, you can look out over the town of Ouda.

History and Highlights

Morino Old Medicinal Herb Garden is a medicinal herb garden that spreads across the hill behind "Morino Yoshinokuzu Honpo," a long-standing Yoshinokuzu store. Opened in 1729 (Kyoho 14), it was the only private garden of its kind at the time. It is the oldest private medicinal herb garden in Japan, and it was designated a national historic site in 1926.

The garden was established by Morino Tosuke of the Morino family. Tosuke served as a medicinal herb apprentice under Uemura Saheiji, who held the shogunate's post for medicinal herbs. He gathered medicinal herbs in regions such as Kinki and Hokuriku and presented them to the shogunate. In recognition of this achievement, he was bestowed precious seeds and seedlings of medicinal herbs by the shogunate. Planting them on the plateau behind his residence is said to be the beginning of the garden.

Most of the herb gardens established during the Edo period by various feudal domains and merchants disappeared following the Meiji Restoration. Among them, Morino Old Medicinal Herb Garden is regarded as a rare garden that preserves the appearance of the Edo period as it was.

Within the garden, about 250 types of medicinal plants and trees can be seen across the four seasons. Visitors can walk around while learning about the properties of the flora, such as white nandina for coughs and kobushi magnolia for headaches and rhinitis.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Spring Katakuri​​: The katakuri flowers that bloom in clusters in spring attract many visitors. The flowering season is from late March to early April.
• ​Ancient Sanshuyu Tree​​: A sanshuyu (cornelian cherry) on the western slope of the ridge is an old tree said to date back to the opening of the herb garden.
• ​View of the Town of Ouda​​: From the garden, you can look out across the town of Ouda. Try taking in the view of the Uda-Matsuyama Townscape from above.

Strolling Tips

Take a bus bound for "Ouda" from Kintetsu Haibara Station, get off at the last stop, and walk for about 5 minutes. As there is no parking at the herb garden, use the second parking lot of the roadside station "Udaji Ouda" when arriving by car. The herb garden extends up the hill behind Morino Yoshinokuzu Honpo. It is recommended to visit in conjunction with a stroll through the Uda-Matsuyama Townscape. "Kusuri no Yakata" (Medicine Museum) is also located in the same town, so you can learn about the history of this town of medicine as well.