Omigawa Jōyama Park

Just as the name suggests, Jōyama (lit. “Castle Hill”) Park was the site of the powerful Aihara clan’s castle from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) to the Sengoku period (1847-1615) and is home to numerous ancient burial mounts.

There are currently about 6,000 trees and shrubs representing over 70 different species which can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. In the spring, 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees and 4,000 azalea shrubs blossom simultaneously on this hill, making it one of the best flower-viewing spots in the Hokuso region. In the summer, there are hydrangeas and crape myrtle, and in autumn, there are glossy abelia and Osmanthus fragans. The flowers of Jōyama Park are truly pleasing to the eye.

Within the park, there are various playgrounds and a teahouse-style building called Seifūsō, where tea ceremonies and flower arrangements events are held, making this park enjoyable for children and adults alike.

Seifūsō is located at the summit of Omigawa Jōyama Park. It was initially built as a private villa in 1903, but in 1953, it became a public rest area within the park. The original building had an elegant wooden thatched roof, but in 1986, it was reconstructed due to deterioration, resulting in 158 cubic meter single-storied wooden building with a pure Japanese-style thatched roof.

Within the building, there is a hall which can be used like an arbor and a Japanese-style room, where tea ceremony and flower arranging gatherings can be held. You can also view the park’s famous cherry blossoms and azaleas from this building.