Nishiyama Park

Overview

Nishiyama Park is a lush, urban park located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. The park's history dates back to when the seventh lord of the Sabae clan, Imabe Sensho, developed the area around Chozenjiyama Mountain as a place of rest and recreation. It was named "Kyoyokei" in 1856 (Ansei 3). In 1889 (Meiji 22), with the establishment of the town and village system, it became Sabae Town's public park (Kyoyo Park). In 1914 (Taisho 3), it was renovated as a project to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Taisho and renamed Nishiyama Park. Nishiyama Park is known as the largest azalea garden on the Sea of Japan side, with approximately 50,000 azalea bushes. The "Tsutsuji Matsuri" (Azalea Festival) is held every year in early May, filling the park with colorful azaleas. In addition to azaleas, various facilities are available, including a Japanese garden, zoo, observation deck, lawn area, fountain plaza, and adventure forest. The Japanese garden offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. The zoo houses lesser pandas, Francois langurs, white-handed gibbons, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, red-crowned cranes, Indian peafowl, and more. It boasts the highest number of lesser panda births in Japan, and admission to the zoo is free! From the observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sabae City and the distant mountains. Also, "Michi-no-Eki Nishiyama Park" (a roadside station) is located on the south side of the park, offering shops selling local specialties and agricultural products, restaurants, and rest areas. Nishiyama Park is a recommended sightseeing spot where you can enjoy nature and relax. With the "Tsutsuji Matsuri" in spring and the "Momiji Matsuri" in autumn, it's a place worth visiting.