Guide
Seihō Furusato Park is a beautiful public park located in Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The park's history began in 1965 when the area near Shizume Shrine was developed into a 40,000 m² space, and it was later expanded to its current size of 120,000 m² in 1970. Since 1988, the park has been further enhanced with facilities such as a water stage, a waterfowl pond, and various play areas. The park is most famous for its approximately 2,000 cherry trees, with a significant number being the voluminous and beautiful Yaezakura (late-blooming cherry blossoms).
The park's development dates back to 1965. Originally a 40,000 m² area, it was expanded to 120,000 m² in 1970 to provide more space for relaxation and nature-based activities. Within the park, you can find "Shidori no Sato," a leisure facility that includes bathing facilities. The name "Shidori" is deeply connected to the historical text 'Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki,' which mentions the word 'Shidori' (Shizuori), adding a layer of local cultural heritage to the site.
The primary attraction is the sea of cherry blossoms, specifically the Yaezakura, which makes this a renowned spot for blossom viewing in Japan. Beyond the cherry blossoms, the park offers a changing tapestry of colors throughout the seasons with plum blossoms, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and bush clover (hagi). Visitors can also enjoy the scenic waterfowl pond, the water stage for events, and various playground equipment for children.
The park's beauty changes with the seasons. The peak viewing time for the Yaezakura cherry blossoms is from late April to early May. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy different seasonal blooms such as plum blossoms, azaleas, or hydrangeas. For those who wish to experience the park after sunset, the park extends its hours until 21:00 during the special night-viewing (Yozakura) period, allowing you to see the illuminated blossoms.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including observing waterfowl in the pond or relaxing by the water stage. The park also features recreational facilities and the "Shidori no Sato" facility, which offers bathing-related amenities. It is an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature while observing local birdlife and seasonal flora.
The park is easily accessible via public transport, located just a 15-minute walk from Shizu Station on the JR Suigun Line. For those traveling by car, it is approximately 6 km from the Naka Interchange on the Joban Expressway. The nearby Shizume Shrine is also a notable landmark in the area.
As the park covers a vast area, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please ensure you visit during official opening hours. Note that the park is closed on Mondays (or Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday) and during the New Year period from December 28th to January 4th. Please respect the park rules and enjoy the natural environment responsibly.