TOTTORI HANAKAIRO FLOWER PARK, Tottori Prefecture, Japan

Tottori Hanakairo is a 76 hectare thematic garden and natural interpretive center developed by the Prefectural government of Tottori. Most of the developed area was concentrated on previously disturbed land within a 320 meter diameter covered walkway that encircles the various thematic gardens and botanical displays.

Using a reference from the earliest European botanical gardens the circular space is divided into four quadrants, providing a spatial organization and variety of experiences for the visitor. Four unique and emblematic buildings positioned at each cardinal direction along the circle’s edge house visitor facilities, restaurants, interpretive displays, and an aviary.

Centered in the circle is a singular glass dome, which is used for events and seasonal exhibits, as well as for displaying tropical plantings. The outer areas of the site were re-vegetated with wildflowers where disturbed or left as forested or naturalistic gardens.