[Held on Saturday, May 9] FY2026 Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Open House: Discover the Fascinating World of Plants

The Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, located close to central Kurashiki City, holds an open house for the public every May.

This event introduces the institute’s research achievements and gives everyone, from children to adults, a chance to learn about the fascinating world of plants while having fun.

In fiscal 2026 (Reiwa 8), it will be held on Saturday, May 9. Here’s what to expect.

Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University: Public Open House

The Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, holds an annual public open house to share its research achievements with the public and encourage people to become familiar with the plants around them. This year, it will be held on Saturday, May 9.

This year’s theme is “Come, See, Discover! Plants Are Fascinating.”
The program will include presentations of research achievements, experiments and observations involving familiar plants, and tours of the institute’s fields. A wide range of activities will be available for everyone, from adults to children.

About the Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University

The Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, traces its origins to the Ohara Agricultural Research Institute, established in 1914 by Ohara Magosaburo, known for founding the Ohara Museum of Art and other institutions. The institute has a history spanning more than 110 years.

It was transferred to Okayama University in 1951. As its current name suggests, the institute primarily conducts basic research on staple grains and crops, such as wheat and rice.

Interview with the Organizer

We spoke with Associate Professor Shinya Tomonori, who is involved in preparing the event, about its highlights and how to enjoy it.

Could you tell us about the events planned for the day?

Shinya (surname omitted)

We are planning a variety of activities to help visitors feel closer to our research, broadly grouped into “observation,” “experiments and hands-on activities,” “exhibits,” and “tours.” Some details are still being finalized, but here are a few examples.

Under microscope observations, visitors can see things such as “microorganisms living alongside plants swimming around” and “the chromosomes of familiar plants.”

Planned experiments and hands-on activities include “staining the roots of rice and barley to compare their iron content” and “extracting pigments from plants.”

The exhibits will include rare materials from the institute’s collection.

The institute’s specimen repository houses around 100,000 plant specimens. We plan to display some historical seed specimens collected by the institute’s first director, Dr. Kondo Mantaro.

Related materials will also be exhibited in the adjoining archives building (library) under the theme “Plants, Insects, and People: Using Insects, Fighting Insects.”

The popular tour of the barley fields, which attracts many visitors every year, is also planned.

Many other activities are planned as well. Please see the event’s special webpage for the latest information.

What is the “Challenge♪ Quiz Rally” event?

Shinya

Visitors solve quizzes as they make their way around several exhibits in the building (about six or seven locations). The quiz rally is a great way to efficiently explore all the exhibits.

You don’t have to answer every quiz correctly; get a few right and you’ll receive a “lovely gift (prize).”

Last year’s prizes included original institute merchandise (ballpoint pens) and plant seeds (sunflowers, glass gem corn, and balloon plants).

It’s an event where everyone, from children to adults, can explore the world of plant science while having fun, so please join us as part of your visit.

Are there any things visitors should keep in mind?

Shinya

If you’re coming by car, please be sure to observe the parking lot opening time of 9:30 a.m. Kurashiki Chuodori, the road in front of the institute, is busy, so please do not wait there before the gates open.

The institute is usually very crowded in the morning, but it tends to be less busy toward closing time in the afternoon (after 2 p.m.), so we recommend visiting later if you’d like to take your time.

There is no cafeteria or shop on the premises, but a rest area where you can eat and drink (Magosaburo Lounge) is available. Please feel free to use it.

Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

Shinya

We are preparing the event so that people of all ages can enjoy it, from older visitors and families with children to students.

This public event is free to attend, requires no reservations, and can be enjoyed without any specialized knowledge. Please feel free to drop by as casually as you would on a walk.

The staff and graduate students who will explain the exhibits, experiments, and hands-on activities are actively conducting cutting-edge plant science research at the institute. Many international students will also be taking part.

If you’re interested in plants or our research, please feel free to ask us anything. One of the great attractions of this open house is the chance to talk directly with researchers, something you don’t often get to do.

Come experience the fascinating world created by plants and microorganisms at this institute with more than 110 years of history. We look forward to welcoming you.

From the Writer

This is a rare opportunity, held once a year, to enter a research institute that is not usually open to the public. One of the event’s great attractions is that anyone with even a little interest in plants can enjoy it, regardless of age.

The institute is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the Bikan Historical Area, so, as mentioned in the interview, you can easily drop by while sightseeing or strolling nearby.

Why not rediscover the fascinating world of plants at this historic institute?

FY2026 Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Public Open House Information

Name	FY2026 Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Public Open House
Date	Saturday, May 9, 2026 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (gates open: 9:30 a.m.)
Location	2-20-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Admission (tax included)	Free
Website	Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University

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