Guide
Azumayama Park is a municipal park located at a summit with an elevation of 136.2 meters in Ninomiya Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. The park's greatest feature is the 360-degree panoramic view visible from the summit observatory. On clear days, you can see the majestic Mt. Fuji, the Hakone and Tanzawa mountain ranges, and even islands like Oshima and Toshima across the Sagami Bay to the south. The park features wide-open grassy areas and a landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.
The name of the park is said to originate from a legend involving the mythical hero Yamato Takeru. According to folklore, when he buried a hairpin (kogai) belonging to Ototachibana-hime at the summit, he lamented, "Azuma wa..." (meaning 'Alas, Azuma...'). The Azuma Shrine, which enshrines Ototachibana-hime, is located on the mountainside. The park was officially opened on July 18, 1987, and has since become a beloved natural retreat for the local community.
The summit observatory offers one of the finest views in the Kanto region. The view of Mt. Fuji is particularly spectacular, appearing clearly and vividly on sunny days. Visitors can also spot a unique topiary sculpture shaped like the Ninomiya Town emblem when approaching from the east. For families, the playground area features a 102-meter long roller slide with a gentle 10-degree slope, providing great fun for children. The park also includes a small zoo and a botanical garden.
You can enjoy a diverse range of flora throughout the year. From late January to early February, the area around the summit is covered in bright yellow rapeseed flowers (nanohana), often accompanied by viewing events. Spring brings cherry blossoms, early summer features hydrangeas and azaleas, and autumn is characterized by beautiful cosmos flowers. For the best views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay, we recommend visiting during the bright daylight hours when visibility is at its peak.
Hiking and walking are the primary activities here. There are several access routes to the summit depending on your preference. The Nakazato-agari route is paved with concrete, making it an easy walk suitable for light exercise in sneakers. Conversely, the Mezawa-agari route offers a more authentic hiking experience through wooded areas and natural dirt paths. On weekends, you may also find food trucks (kitchen cars) parked nearby, allowing you to enjoy a snack while taking in the scenery.
The park is conveniently located near JR Ninomiya Station and the Ninomiya Town Hall. It is also easily accessible by car via the Seisho-Ninomiya Interchange (IC) near Route 1. The surrounding natural environment makes it an ideal spot to rest after a hike or as a base for exploring other local sightseeing facilities.
Since the path to the summit involves stairs, slopes, or hiking trails, please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes (such as sneakers). If you choose the more rugged Mezawa-agari route, more specialized hiking gear is recommended. While there are vending machines available, there are no permanent restaurants or shops, so it is wise to bring your own drinks and snacks. Please respect the natural environment and follow park etiquette during your visit.