WakayamaLeisure

Jofuku Park (徐福公園)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Take in the Kumano River and Pacific Ocean from the stone-walled former keep site, checking tonight's fireworks venue by day

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Enjoy Shingu's local fish dishes at a restaurant near the station, filling up properly before the fireworks

About this spot

This is the site connected to the legend of Jofuku (徐福), the origin of the fireworks festival's name, Kumano Jofuku Mando Festival (熊野徐福万燈祭). Jofuku was an alchemist who, on the order of Qin Shi Huang (秦の始皇帝), the First Emperor of Qin, is said to have crossed to Japan in search of the elixir of immortality and settled in the Shingu area. The park houses Jofuku's mausoleum and a stone statue, and visiting it as a way to trace the fireworks festival's origins adds depth to your day's story. Located in the center of Shingu city, it makes for a compact walking route together with Hayatama Taisha and the Shingu Castle Ruins. Cool off in this quiet, green park while slowly building your anticipation for tonight's festival.

Tips

About a 10–15 minute walk from the Shingu Castle Ruins (新宮城跡), located in the center of the city. Free admission. Telling children the meaning of 'Jofuku Mando Festival' (徐福万燈祭) in the festival's name will make tonight's fireworks a more memorable experience for them. It's also within walking distance to the evening meal spot around Shingu Station.