The alpine flowers that beautifully add colors to the summer mountains keep amazing diversity and wonders. This exhibition features "alpine plants" that take root in alpine and subalpine zones of Japan.

Alpine plants are truly varied in terms of their morphology and ecology to survive in harsh environments. They also grow through involvement with other organisms in various ways. On the other hand, many species are under threat for survival due to climate change and other factors.

We hope this exhibition will offer an opportunity for you to learn about the critical situation surrounding alpine plants and think about ideas and ways to preserve our irreplaceable treasures for future generations.

Exhibition

Title Special Exhibition
"Alpine Plants －The Diversity and Ecosystems of Flowers Beyond Reach－ "
Period July 30, 2024 (Tue) – November 4 (Mon)
Venue

Japan Gallery 1F Exhibition Hall for temporally exhibition and Central Hall (– September 1)
Hours 9:00-17:00
*9:00-18:00 August 10 - 15
*Opening days, hours etc. are subject to alteration. Please check the website before your visit.
Closed September 2, 9, 17, 24, 30,
October 15, 21 and 28
Organizers National Museum of Nature and Science

Support

 mont-bell
Cooperation Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University Historical Museum for Agricultural Education, Ministry of the Environment, Omachi Alpine Museum, Sugawa Chonosuke Kensyokai, Nagano Environmental Conservation Research Institute, Japan Association of Botanical Gardens, Hakubakan, Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden, Botanic Garden,Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University Archives, Postal Museum Japan

Access

National Museum of Nature and Science
Address 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718
>>　more information
National Museum of Nature and Science access map

What to see

Chapter 1:What are Alpine Plants?

Regarding the characteristics of alpine plants, the exhibition first introduces their morphology and ecology. Plants living in the harsh alpine conditions adapt to the environment while developing various survival strategies. Alpine plants play important roles in the alpine ecosystem and live through close involvement with other organisms. This section gives some examples.

Dicentra peregrina(Papaveraceae)
Dicentra peregrina
(Papaveraceae)

Chapter 2:Diversity of Alpine Plants in Japan

The Japanese Archipelago is long from north to south and ranges from lowlands to high-elevation areas. It has a climate ranging from subtropical to subarctic, where a wide variety of plants are distributed. Particularly, the area from central Honshu to Hokkaido is dotted with the habitats of alpine plants, just like islands. In addition, in an area with specific geological features, many indigenous species living only in that area are observed, which enhances the diversity of alpine plants in Japan.

Leontopodium hayachinense(Asteraceae)
Leontopodium hayachinense
(Asteraceae)
Callianthemum hondoense(Ranunculaceae)
Callianthemum hondoense
(Ranunculaceae)

Chapter 3:Research on Alpine Plants

This section features research on alpine plants, focusing on those involved in early research in Japan, and typical mountainous areas. Please take a look at valuable specimens, materials, and photographs. In recent years, studies to understand the diversity of alpine plants have made significant progress, and the achievements and new initiatives are also introduced here.

Kingo Miyabe(Botanic Garden, Hokkaido University)
Kingo Miyabe (Botanic Garden,
Hokkaido University)
Pulsatilla nipponica(Ranunculaceae)
Pulsatilla nipponica
(Ranunculaceae)

Chapter 4:Current Situation of Alpine Plants and Effort to Protect Diversity

The incredible diversity of alpine plants is on the verge of a serious crisis. Changes in alpine vegetation have already occurred due to climate change. In many places, flower fields have disappeared caused by deer damage. To tackle these situations, attempts are being made to protect and restore vegetation in natural habitats. The Tsukuba Botanical Garden also promotes conservation activities mainly for endangered species outside natural habitats.

Deer-proof fences in the alpine zone
Deer-proof fences in the alpine zone
Ex situ conservation of alpine plants at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden
Ex situ conservation of alpine plants at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden

Chapter 5:To Enjoy Alpine Plants

Once you have gained knowledge about alpine plants through this exhibition, why not go out and observe them? Here are some recommended spots in Japan where you can observe alpine plants. If you extend your trip overseas, you will come across fantastic alpine plants that cannot be seen in Japan. This section also introduces some tips to be aware of in plant observation. Please enjoy alpine plants from many different aspects.

Mt. Norikura, central Japan
Mt. Norikura,
central Japan
Saussure obvallata(Asteraceae) found around the Himalayas
Saussure obvallata
(Asteraceae) found around the Himalayas