Guida
Azumayama Park is a municipal park located at an altitude of 136.2 meters in Ninomiya Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its most striking feature is the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit observatory. On clear days, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking vista of Mt. Fuji, the Hakone and Tanzawa mountain ranges, and even Oshima and Toshima islands across the Sagami Bay to the south. The park is covered in lush greenery and offers a changing tapestry of seasonal flowers.
The name of the park is said to originate from a legend involving the mythical hero Yamato Takeru and his wife Ototachibana-hime. According to folklore, Yamato Takeru lamented the loss of his wife's hair ornament (kogai) at the summit, crying out "Azuma haya." Nestled on the mountainside is Azuma Shrine, dedicated to Ototachibana-hime. The park was officially opened on July 18, 1987, and has since become a beloved natural retreat for the local community.
The summit observatory provides one of the best views in the Kanto region. The sight of Mt. Fuji is particularly magnificent, appearing clearly under bright skies. Visitors can also spot a unique topiary sculpture shaped like the Ninomiya Town emblem, visible from the eastern side. For families, the playground area features a 102-meter long, 10-degree inclined roller slide, a favorite among children. The park also includes a small zoo and a botanical garden area.
The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. From late January to early February, the area around the summit is filled with bright yellow rapeseed flowers, often accompanied by flower-watching events. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms; in early summer, hydrangeas and azaleas; and in autumn, colorful cosmos flowers. For the best views of Mt. Fuji and the ocean, we recommend visiting during the bright daylight hours.
Hiking and walking are the primary activities here. There are several access routes to the summit. The Nakasato route is paved with concrete, making it an easy walk suitable for visitors in sneakers. Conversely, the Umesawa route offers a more authentic hiking experience through wooded paths and natural terrain. On certain weekends, food trucks (kitchen cars) may appear, allowing you to enjoy a meal outdoors while soaking in the scenery.
The park is conveniently located near JR Ninomiya Station, the Ninomiya Town Hall, and Route 1. It is also easily accessible by car via the Seisho-Ninomiya IC. The surrounding natural environment is ideal for relaxing after a hike or as a starting point for exploring other local sightseeing spots.
As the paths to the summit involve stairs, slopes, or mountain trails, please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes (such as sneakers). If you choose the more rugged Umesawa route, more specialized hiking gear is recommended. While there are vending machines on-site, 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.