Nanako Park, Fukushima Prefecture Complete Guide | History of Japan’s Oldest Park, Seasonal Highlights, and Access Information
Nanako Park, located in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest park, constructed in Kyowa 1 (1801), the late Edo period, by Matsudaira Sadanobu, lord of the Shirakawa Domain. With the philosophy of “Shimin Kyoraku” (shared enjoyment by samurai and commoners), it was opened as a place where anyone could enjoy themselves regardless of social status, and it remains cherished by many people today as a nationally designated historic site and scenic beauty.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting, from the historical background of Nanako Park to its seasonal highlights, access methods, and surrounding facilities.
History of Nanako Park and Matsudaira Sadanobu’s Philosophy
Matsudaira Sadanobu and the Ideology of “Shimin Kyoraku”
Inseparable from discussing Nanako Park is the figure of Matsudaira Sadanobu (Rakuou), the lord of Shirakawa Domain who constructed it. Sadanobu is known as an able administrator who led the “Kansei Reforms” of the Edo shogunate, and during his time as lord of Shirakawa Domain, he devoted himself to improving the lives of his domain’s residents.
The philosophy of “Shimin Kyoraku” that Sadanobu championed was an extremely forward-thinking idea for its time—the creation of a place where not only samurai but also commoners could enjoy themselves together. In Kyowa 1 (1801), he built a dike in a desolate swamp formed by low-lying wetlands created by the Yatsuda River, a tributary of the Abukuma River, whose water source is the Nasu mountain range, and created Nanako by storing water.
The Origin of the Name Nanako
The name Nanako carries two meanings. One is the geographical reason that it is named “Nanako” because it is located south of Komine Castle. The other is the cultural background of reflecting the poetic line “South Lake autumn water at night has no smoke” (南湖秋水夜無煙), which the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai composed when he visited Lake Dongting. This naming itself suggests Sadanobu’s deep learning and love of elegance.
Positioning in Japanese Garden History
Nanako Park holds an important position in Japanese garden history as a “landscape-modified park,” in that it incorporates traditional gardening techniques while making use of natural conditions. It was formally opened as “Nanako Park” in Meiji 13 (1880), and is evaluated as a precedent case for the modern park system.
It is characterized by having stronger garden elements compared to other historical parks such as Asukayama. On December 9, Taisho 13 (1924), it was designated as a national historic site and scenic beauty, and its historical and cultural value was officially recognized.
Overview and Basic Information of Nanako Park
Scale and Geographical Features of the Park
Nanako Park is located in Shirakawa City in southern Fukushima Prefecture, approximately 2 kilometers south of JR Shirakawa Station. The lake surface area is 17.7 hectares, with a perimeter of approximately 2 kilometers, and is characterized by a magnificent landscape with the Nasu mountain range and Sekiyama as borrowed scenery.
The park consists of two districts: Nanako and the ruins of Shirakawa Castle to the east, forming the core of Nanako Prefectural Natural Park. On March 25, Heisei 22 (2010), it was also selected as one of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ “Hundred Selected Ponds,” and its multifaceted value was recognized.
Address, Operating Hours, and Fees of Nanako Park
Address: 961-0812 Fukushima Prefecture, Shirakawa City, Nanako
Operating Hours: The park itself is open 24 hours, and you can take walks anytime. However, park facilities (such as Suirakuen) have individual operating hours.
Closed Days: None (the park is open year-round, but some facilities have closure dates)
Admission Fee: Admission to the park is free. However, some facilities such as the Japanese garden “Suirakuen” charge admission.
Nanako’s Seventeen Scenic Spots | Scenic Areas Designated by Sadanobu
Matsudaira Sadanobu designated 17 scenic spots around Nanako, which he organized as the “Nanako Seventeen Scenic Spots.” Each of these scenic areas has charming landscapes that double the enjoyment of touring the park.
Characteristics of Nanako’s Seventeen Scenic Spots
The Nanako Seventeen Scenic Spots include diverse natural beauty such as pine forests along the lakeside, waterside landscapes, and distant mountains. By touring these scenic spots selected by Sadanobu himself, you can relive the elegance of the Edo period.
Each scenic spot is said to preserve waka poems and Chinese poetry composed by cultural figures of the time, and they have high literary value. You can enjoy these landscapes while strolling around the approximately 2-kilometer perimeter.
How to Enjoy the Walking Routes
To efficiently tour the Nanako Seventeen Scenic Spots, it is recommended to use the walking paths along the lakeshore. With the Nasu mountain range as a backdrop, you can enjoy landscapes that show different faces with each season, including pine forests of Japanese red pine, rows of cherry blossoms, and the autumn colors of maple.
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the walk to leisurely enjoy the scenery on your full circuit. There are also tea houses and cafes along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the views.
The Charm of Nanako Park Through the Seasons
Spring | A Famous Cherry Blossom Spot
Nanako Park is known as one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukushima Prefecture. Yoshino cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) that Matsudaira Sadanobu had brought from Yoshino in Nara color the lakeshore, and approximately 800 cherry trees bloom all at once in spring.
The cherry blossoms typically bloom from mid to late April, and the contrast between the cherry blossoms reflected in the lake surface and the snowy landscape of the Nasu mountain range creates a spectacular view. Nighttime illuminations are also held during this period, allowing you to enjoy phantasmagorical night cherry blossom viewing.
Summer | Fresh Greenery and Lake Surface Coolness
Summer at Nanako Park is charming for its serene atmosphere enveloped in deep green. The shade created by the Japanese red pine forest softens the intense sunlight and provides an ideal environment for lakeside walking.
The breeze across the lake surface is refreshing, and you can experience a natural coolness different from urban areas. Early morning and evening walks are especially comfortable, and you can observe bird songs and aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Autumn | Spectacular Fall Foliage
In autumn, Nanako Park showcases beautiful fall foliage of maples transplanted from Arashiyama in Kyoto. From late October through mid-November, the lakeshore is dyed red and yellow, and together with the first snowfall of the Nasu mountain range, it creates a brocade-like autumn landscape.
The contrast between the green Japanese red pines and the autumn colors creates a Japanese garden-like beauty. Particularly on clear days, the inverted image of the autumn foliage reflected on the lake surface is magnificent, and many photography enthusiasts visit.
Winter | The Silence of Snow-Covered Landscapes
Winter at Nanako Park becomes a world of silence covered in snow. Shirakawa City is an area with relatively heavy snowfall in Fukushima Prefecture, and the snow-covered Nanako lake presents an appearance like an ink wash painting.
With the snowy landscape of the Nasu mountain range in the background, the sight of water birds floating on the lake surface offers winter-only charm. While the cold is severe, a walk in the crisp air is an exceptional experience.
Major Facilities Within Nanako Park
Kyorakutei | Tea at a Tea House
Within Nanako Park is the tea room “Kyorakutei,” where you can enjoy matcha tea while looking out at the lakeside scenery. As a facility embodying the philosophy of “Shimin Kyoraku,” it is an open space for all visitors.
The view from the tea room changes with the four seasons, and it has particularly special charm during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. While tea service is offered for a fee, you can enjoy the atmosphere of authentic tea ceremony in a casual manner.
Suirakuen | The Beauty of a Japanese Garden
Suirakuen is a full-fledged Japanese garden adjacent to Nanako Park. Developed as a strolling pond garden, it also features a tea house and shoin-style architecture. While admission is charged, you can appreciate the beauty of a carefully maintained garden.
Seasonal tea ceremonies and cultural events are also held within the garden, making it a valuable place to experience Japanese culture. Visiting it along with a tour of Nanako Park provides deeper understanding of Japanese garden culture.
Nanako Shrine | Over 100 Years of History
Within Nanako Park stands Nanako Shrine, which has a history of over 100 years since its founding. As a shrine dedicated to Matsudaira Sadanobu, it receives the faith of local people.
The shrine’s precincts are enveloped in a serene atmosphere, and you can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty along with your visit. The shrine becomes crowded with many worshippers during New Year visits and seasonal festivals.
Nanako Dango | Regional Gourmet
If you visit Nanako Park, you must try the regional specialty “Nanako Dango.” There are tea houses along the lakeside that have continued since the Edo period, preserving traditional flavors.
Nanako dango comes in several flavors including sweet red bean, sesame, and sweet soy glaze, and is perfect for a rest during your walk. Enjoying dango while looking at the lakeside scenery is an experience unique to Nanako Park.
Nanako Prefectural Natural Park and Surrounding Natural Environment
Overview of Nanako Prefectural Natural Park
The area centered on Nanako Park is designated as Nanako Prefectural Natural Park. It consists of two districts: the Nanako district and the Shirakawa Castle ruins district, and serves to preserve rich natural environments and historical landscapes.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, and the Japanese red pine forest is particularly important as a representative vegetation of southern Fukushima Prefecture. Reeds are distributed in parts of the lakeshore, forming aquatic ecosystems.
Characteristics of Flora and Fauna
The area around Nanako is home to flora and fauna influenced by the natural environment extending from the Nasu mountain range. Migratory birds visit the lake surface seasonally, and the area is known as a birdwatching spot.
In terms of vegetation, centered on Japanese red pine forests, diverse plants including cherry blossoms, maples, and reeds along the lakeshore create landscapes for each of the four seasons. These plants have been carefully protected since the time of Matsudaira Sadanobu.
Function as a Reservoir Pond
Nanako functions not only as an ornamental pond but also as an agricultural reservoir. Its selection as one of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ “Hundred Selected Ponds” on March 25, Heisei 22 (2010), attests to its multifaceted value.
The dike structure that stores water from the Yatsuda River represents the pinnacle of Edo period civil engineering technology, and it continues to function more than 200 years after its construction. This historical water management technology is also one of Nanako Park’s important values.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access by Train
When using JR Tohoku Shinkansen:
- Get off at JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Shin-Shirakawa Station”
- Board JR Bus bound for Tanakura from the station (approximately 10 minutes)
- Get off at “Nanako Park” bus stop, 1-minute walk
When using JR Tohoku Main Line:
- Get off at JR Tohoku Main Line “Shirakawa Station”
- Approximately 2 kilometers south from the station
- Approximately 5 minutes by taxi, approximately 25 minutes on foot
When using the shinkansen, Shin-Shirakawa Station is the nearest, and when using the conventional line, Shirakawa Station is convenient. Since bus service is limited, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance.
Access by Car
When using the Tohoku Expressway:
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Tohoku Expressway “Shirakawa IC”
- Via Route 4 toward the city center
GPS Navigation Settings:
- Address: Fukushima Prefecture, Shirakawa City, Nanako
- Facility Name: Nanako Park
From the Tokyo area, it is approximately 2.5 hours via the Tohoku Expressway; from the Sendai area, it is approximately 1.5 hours.
Parking Information
Multiple parking areas are provided around Nanako Park.
- Nanako Park Parking Area: Free to use
- Capacity: Approximately 200 regular vehicles
- Large Buses: Dedicated parking space available
- Hours: Available 24 hours
Congestion is expected during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so arriving early or using public transportation is recommended.
Tourist Spots Around Nanako Park
Komine Castle (Shirakawa Castle)
Komine Castle, located approximately 2 kilometers north of Nanako Park, is known as a symbol of Shirakawa. This is a historic castle structure where Matsudaira Sadanobu also served as lord, and a three-story turret has been reconstructed. Currently, visitors can enjoy viewing it.
From the castle ruins, one can see an overview of Shirakawa city, and visiting together with Nanako Park allows for deeper understanding of the history of Shirakawa Domain. The castle ruins also present a magnificent sight of cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom season.
Shirakawa Barrier Ruins
Shirakawa Barrier Ruins, known as one of the three Oshu barriers, was an important checkpoint from ancient to medieval times. It appears in Matsuo Basho’s “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” and is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Nanako Park.
The area around the barrier ruins is developed as a park, allowing you to enjoy walks while feeling history. It is worth visiting as part of a tour exploring Shirakawa’s historical culture.
Shirakawa Ramen
Shirakawa City is also famous as the birthplace of “Shirakawa Ramen.” There are many ramen shops around Nanako Park and in Shirakawa’s city center, characterized by a clean soy sauce-based flavor.
Tasting authentic Shirakawa ramen during your sightseeing break makes for a more fulfilling Shirakawa sightseeing experience. Many shops attract lines of people waiting, so it is recommended to visit with time to spare.
Events and Annual Observances at Nanako Park
Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year from mid to late April, a cherry blossom festival is held at Nanako Park. During the period, nighttime illuminations of the cherry blossoms are conducted, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere different from daytime viewing.
Local food stalls and cultural events are also held, drawing large crowds of cherry blossom viewers. The sight of cherry blossoms reflected on the lake surface is a spectacular view unique to this time of year.
Events During Autumn Foliage Season
During the autumn foliage season, cultural events such as photography contests and haiku gatherings are sometimes held. These events inherit the elegance of Matsudaira Sadanobu and serve as venues for regional cultural activities.
New Year Visits and New Year Events
Nanako Shrine attracts many New Year worshippers. A New Year visit during the snowy season is an experience that gives one a solemn and refreshing feeling.
Accommodations Near Nanako Park
Hotels in Shirakawa City
There are several hotels and traditional inns around Nanako Park, centered on Shirakawa’s city center. Business hotels are numerous around Shin-Shirakawa Station, and historic inns are scattered around Shirakawa Station.
Access to Nanako Park from accommodations is excellent, and taking a morning walk through the park while it is quiet is also recommended. Many accommodations serve Shirakawa ramen and dishes using local ingredients, making meals another highlight of your stay.
Accommodation Options in the Southern Fukushima Region
When using Nanako Park as a base to tour southern Fukushima Prefecture, Sukagawa City and Yabuki Town are also accommodation options. Hot spring areas are nearby, making it possible to plan an itinerary combining sightseeing with hot spring visits.
Notes and Etiquette When Visiting Nanako Park
Clothing and Items to Bring for Walking
Nanako Park has a perimeter of approximately 2 kilometers, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for strolling. Depending on the season, sunlight can be intense, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
In winter, the ground may be icy, so choosing non-slip shoes is important. Bringing drinking water and light snacks allows you to rest and enjoy the scenery comfortably.
Photography Etiquette
Nanako Park is popular as a photography spot, but consideration must be given so as not to inconvenience other visitors. The park is especially crowded during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so take pictures with a spirit of sharing.
If using a tripod, choose a location that does not block foot traffic, and avoid occupying space for extended periods.
Nature Protection and Trash Disposal
Nanako Park is a nationally designated historic site and scenic beauty, making nature conservation important. Collecting plants and feeding animals are prohibited.
Please take all trash with you, and cooperate in preserving beautiful landscapes for future generations. Particularly after eating along the lakeshore, be careful not to leave any trash.
Conclusion | How to Fully Enjoy the Charm of Nanako Park
Nanako Park in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, boasts a history of over 200 years as Japan’s oldest park, constructed under the philosophy of “Shimin Kyoraku” by Matsudaira Sadanobu. This park, with its multiple values as a nationally designated historic site and scenic beauty, Nanako Prefectural Natural Park, and selection in the Hundred Selected Ponds, continues to enchant visitors with its changing appearance through the four seasons.
The majestic landscape with the Nasu mountain range as borrowed scenery, the elegance of the Nanako Seventeen Scenic Spots, the spectacular views of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, and historical cultural facilities—Nanako Park contains diverse charms. Its convenient access of approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo and approximately 1.5 hours from Sendai increases its appeal as an easily visitable tourist destination.
When visiting Shirakawa City, be sure to spend some time leisurely at Nanako Park and experience the spirit of “Shimin Kyoraku” that has continued since the Edo period. Each seasonal visit will bring new discoveries and impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the entrance fee to Nanako Park?
Admission to Nanako Park is free. The park is open 24 hours, allowing you to take walks freely anytime. However, some facilities such as the Japanese garden “Suirakuen” and tea service at the tea room “Kyorakutei” charge admission.
When are the cherry blossoms at Nanako Park in bloom?
The cherry blossoms at Nanako Park typically bloom from mid to late April. Approximately 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees color the lakeside, and on clear days, the view of cherry blossoms reflected on the lake surface against the Nasu mountain range is spectacular. Night illuminations are also held during the cherry blossom festival period.
How do I access Nanako Park?
From JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Shin-Shirakawa Station,” take JR Bus bound for Tanakura for approximately 10 minutes and get off at “Nanako Park” bus stop. By car, it is approximately 15 minutes from Tohoku Expressway “Shirakawa IC,” with free parking available for approximately 200 vehicles.
How long does it take to walk around Nanako Park?
The perimeter of Nanako is approximately 2 kilometers, and leisurely strolling takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Including touring the Nanako Seventeen Scenic Spots, photography, and rest stops, allow approximately 2 hours for a comfortable experience.
Is it worth visiting Nanako Park in winter?
Winter at Nanako Park features beautiful snowy landscapes reminiscent of ink wash paintings. The view with the snow-covered Nasu mountain range in the background offers an exceptional experience. However, ground surfaces may be icy, so wear non-slip shoes and take proper cold-weather precautions.
Where can I eat near Nanako Park?
There is a tea house along the Nanako lakeside serving the regional specialty “Nanako Dango.” Additionally, Shirakawa’s city center has many “Shirakawa Ramen” restaurants, located approximately 5 to 10 minutes by car. There are also cafes nearby where you can eat and rest while enjoying the scenery.
Can I bring pets to the park?
Nanako Park allows visiting with pets on leashes. Be sure to keep pets on a leash and consider other visitors. Take responsibility for cleaning up after your pet to keep the park clean.
Can wedding pre-shoot photography be done at Nanako Park?
Nanako Park is a popular photography spot and is used for wedding pre-shoots. However, since it is a nationally designated historic site and scenic beauty, if conducting photography for commercial purposes or large-scale shooting, it is recommended to check with and obtain permission from the relevant Shirakawa City department in advance.
