FukushimaTravel

Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)

Flow of the course

About 90 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Visit the ancient temple celebrated in classical poetry, home to the Mochizuri Stone immortalized in the Hyakunin Isshu

About this spot

A rare park nationwide, where a flower-covered hill, long tended by the Abe family of flower farmers in Fukushima City's Watari district, has been generously opened to the public free of charge. It became widely known after the photographer Shotaro Akiyama praised it as a paradise found in Fukushima, and dozens of species of flowering trees - plum, flowering peach, cherry, forsythia, and flowering quince among them - color the hillside village slopes. Circuit courses of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are maintained up to the summit, and being able to choose according to your stamina is a welcome point for a three-generation outing. From near the summit, you can take in a sweeping view of the city of Fukushima and the Azuma mountain range, and the snow pattern Azuma no Yuki-usagi (Snow Rabbit of Azuma), seen through the flowers, is one of Fukushima's iconic sights. At the foot of the hill are rapeseed flower fields and a walking path along a stream, so even sticking to easily walkable areas is enough to enjoy the atmosphere of this flower village.

Tips

During peak flowering season, private car restrictions are in effect, and access is by shuttle bus from the Abukuma Shinsui Park temporary parking lot (outside the restriction period, you can use nearby parking lots). The grounds are hilly, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you're with grandparents, choosing the shorter 30-minute course and making frequent use of the rest benches brings peace of mind. Admission is free, but there is a donation box for environmental upkeep.