Guide
Tenpyo no Oka Park is a vast, beautiful park located in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture. The landscape is a harmonious blend of natural forests and significant historical sites, offering a different charm in every season. The highlight is the 'Tenpyo Flower Festival' held from late March to late April, when approximately 500 cherry trees come into full bloom, drawing many visitors. The park also features cultural facilities and cafes housed in beautifully renovated traditional folk houses (kominka), allowing you to enjoy nature, history, and local flavors all at once.
This area is deeply connected to the 8th century, the era of Emperor Shomu, who is said to have governed the country by spreading Buddhism. Within the park, you can find the ruins of the Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji and Kokubun-niji temples, which are designated national historical sites. These ruins provide a window into the historical role this land once played. Additionally, near Kunimi-yama, which is surrounded by moats and stone walls, there is a large stone known as the 'Zensei (Nari) Stone.' A unique feature of this stone is that if you clap your hands below the stairs, the sound echoes back in a distinctive way.
The park's greatest appeal lies in its seasonal events and natural scenery. Highlights include the spring cherry blossoms, the 'Shimotsuke To-o Festival' in summer featuring thousands of lanterns, and the 'Tenpyo Imoni Festival' in November. Visitors can also explore the 'Shimotsuke Fudoki no Oka Museum,' which displays ancient artifacts such as Haniwa (clay figures) and pottery excavated from the Kotsuka Kofun mound, offering a direct connection to ancient Japanese culture. Walking through the forest paths and relaxing at the traditional folk house cafes are also highly recommended experiences.
Spring (late March to late April) is the most vibrant season, characterized by the blooming of 500 cherry trees during the Tenpyo Flower Festival. In the summer, the 'Shimotsuke To-o Festival' illuminates the area with 4,000 cup-shaped lanterns, creating a magical nightscape. In autumn, the 'Tenpyo Imoni Festival' is held on the first Sunday of November, where visitors can enjoy traditional savory rice and vegetable stews (Imoni) cooked in large pots. We recommend walking through the natural forest during the day and enjoying the illuminated scenery in the evening.
Visitors can enjoy nature walks and historical learning. You can explore the museum exhibits or take a break at a cafe renovated from a traditional folk house. A unique experience is visiting the 'Zensei Stone' at the top of Kunimi-yama to hear the echo of your own handclaps. During seasonal festivals, the park becomes a lively area with various food stalls where you can sample local delicacies.
The area surrounding the park is dotted with historical remains, such as the Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji and Kokubun-niji temple sites. These sites serve as important landmarks for understanding ancient Japanese architecture and culture. The park also serves as a great base for exploring other tourist destinations within Tochigi Prefecture.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring the park. There are traditional cafes available for rest. For payments at cafes or event stalls, please note that cash or credit cards may be used depending on the vendor. While the park is open to photography, please follow local rules during specific events. The park is equipped with accessible features, including wheelchair-friendly parking and entrances.