Onoike Hydrangea Park

Overview

Onoike Hydrangea Park is a beautiful park in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, where approximately 8,000 hydrangeas bloom brilliantly. Onoike Pond, located at the heart of the park, is a reservoir built 150 years ago during the Tenpo era by Onozawa Heizaemon, the local headman at the time, to alleviate the hardships of the farmers. At that time, the Hirazawa River flowing through this area did not provide enough water for rice planting, and farmers struggled with water shortages. Onozawa Heizaemon persuaded the farmers and built a reservoir here, solving the water shortage. People honored his achievement and named the reservoir "Onoike" (Ono Pond). Onoike has been used as irrigation water for the paddy fields in the Kamigoe, Fujinoki, and Oishi areas for a long time. However, in recent years, development in this area has reduced the paddy field area, resulting in decreased water storage and lower water levels in the pond. Due to its proximity to the city, it became a popular fishing spot for children. Therefore, in fiscal year 1982, Shibukawa City developed it as a public fishing area. In the same year, the intake from Irizawa was improved as a countermeasure against water shortages for the Joetsu Shinkansen, making water diversion easier, leading to increased use as a public fishing area. Onoike holds 6,500 tons of water in normal times. Its location surrounded by mountains led Shibukawa City to position it as a relaxing spot where greenery and water harmonize. In 1984, it was designated as a "Flower and Green City Model Project" by the National Land Agency. As part of the greenway plan from the Hirazawa River in the city to Onoike Pond, the development of the surrounding area began in earnest. Also, because the 1.4-hectare area of this park has a mostly north-facing slope, it is suitable for hydrangeas, the city flower. With the cooperation of many people, the park was developed with hydrangeas as its center. Now, with over 8,000 hydrangeas, it has become a true "Hydrangea Park," loved by many people from inside and outside the city. A variety of hydrangeas are planted in the park, including Hydrangea macrophylla (Western hydrangea), Kirenajyama Ajisai, Koamacha, Shichidanka, Benigaku Ajisai, Annabelle, and Gaku Ajisai. During the hydrangea blooming season, the Hydrangea Festival is held, attracting many visitors. Onoike Hydrangea Park is a charming park where you can experience abundant nature and history. Please visit us!