Guida
Mami Koryo Park, spanning the towns of Koryo and Kawai in the Kitakatsuragi District of Nara Prefecture, is a vast natural space covering 56.2 hectares. This area is historically significant, home to one of Japan's most notable clusters of ancient burial mounds (kofun). The park has been beautifully developed to harmonize these historical legacies with a lush natural environment. Visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens filled with seasonal flowers, educational facilities, large playgrounds for children, and relaxing cafes. It is a versatile destination perfect for nature walks, family leisure, or exploring ancient history in an open, refreshing atmosphere.
The area surrounding Mami Koryo Park is steeped in history, characterized by the presence of ancient burial mounds. Within the park, you can find historical sites such as the 'Nagareyama Kofun' and 'Otomeyama Kofun,' which have been preserved or restored to reflect their original forms from 1,600 years ago. These kofun serve as symbols of the region's profound historical and cultural value. The park's development aims to preserve these precious historical-natural assets for future generations, providing a space where visitors can connect deeply with both nature and ancient Japanese culture.
The park is divided into several areas, each offering unique charms. In the central area, the 'Koen-kan' (Park Museum) allows visitors to learn about the natural environment and the history of the kofun through models and visual presentations. You can also climb to the summit of the Nagareyama Kofun to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The seasonal scenery is a major highlight: spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips, summer features roses and sunflowers, and autumn showcases dahlias and cosmos. Additionally, the northern area is a popular spot for families, featuring large playground equipment and water features like fountains.
Because the scenery changes beautifully with every season, your experience will differ depending on when you visit. Spring (March–May) is perfect for cherry blossoms and tulips; early summer (June–August) offers irises, hydrangeas, and sunflowers; and autumn (September–November) brings a vibrant display of dahlias and cosmos. During winter, the park sometimes hosts illumination events, ensuring a diverse range of experiences throughout the year. For a peaceful stroll, daytime is ideal, while the late afternoon offers a serene and calming atmosphere as the sun sets over the landscape.
Beyond simple nature walks, the park offers various engaging activities. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mami Flower Garden, the Dahlia Garden, or the Rose Garden to appreciate seasonal blooms. For families, the northern area's large playground and the expansive lawn are perfect for children to run and play. For a relaxing break, the 'Hanamichaya' cafe in the central area provides a wonderful space to rest while enjoying the view. If you are interested in history, the exhibits at the Koen-kan offer a fascinating look into the structure and significance of the ancient burial mounds.
The park is situated in the tranquil area of Koryo and Kawai, where nature and history live side by side. This region, dotted with ancient kofun, is an excellent environment for historical exploration. The presence of facilities like the on-site cafe ensures that your stay at the park is both comfortable and enriching.
Since the park is very large and includes undulating terrain, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. It is also wise to prepare for the season, such as bringing a sunshade or hat in summer, or a light jacket in autumn. When using the museum or cafe, please check if they accept credit cards or if cash is required for a smoother transaction. To protect the environment, please follow park etiquette: do not pick flowers and ensure all trash is taken home with you. The Koen-kan (Park Museum) is open from 9:00 to 17:00 and is closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, it will close on the following Tuesday).