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National scenic beauty "Soka Matsubara, a scenic spot of Oku No Hosomichi"

A scenic spot recognized as one of the series of scenic landscapes that appear in Matsuo Basho's "Oku No Hosomichi".

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Soka-juku is the second post‐town along the Nikko Kaido Highway from Nihonbashi. Not far from there is Soka Matsubara, a row of pine trees offering beautiful scenery.

This is an area that appears in the work "Oku No Hosomichi" written by Matsuo Basho, a haiku poet from the early Edo period (1603-1715). The area was recognized as one of the scenic spots related to Matsuo Basho's "Oku No Hosomichi" in March 2014. The area was designated as a national scenic spot for its series of scenic views that have influenced the way people view the landscape in later generations and still retain the atmosphere of the past.

The two pairs of drum-shaped pedestrian bridges over the Ayase River, Hyakudai Bridge and Yatate Bridge, look like something out of an ukiyoe painting. Their appearance still tells us the atmosphere of the "Oku No Hosomichi" era.

Every year in early summer, Soka Matsubara holds the Soka Asagao Market, a summer tradition in Soka. Since 2015, the Soka Matsubara Dream Festival, in which the rows of pine trees are illuminated, has been held.

Today, it is a 1.5km stone-paved promenade along the Ayase River. It has become a place of relaxation for visitors.

Highlights

  • A national scenic spot related to "Oku No Hosomichi".
  • A line of 634 pine trees to relax and enjoy the history.
  • Don't miss the powerful Hyakudai Bridge and Yatate Bridge, which are lined with pine trees along the Ayase River.
  • Soka Matsubara Yume Matsuri (Soka Matsubara Dream Festival), where you can enjoy the illuminated rows of pine trees.
  • The Soka Asagao Market as a summer tradition.

Photos

  • 1,5km of well-maintained stone-paved promenade

    1,5km of well-maintained stone-paved promenade

  • During the Soka Matsubara Yume Matsuri (Dream Festival), there will be fantastic lighting!

    During the Soka Matsubara Yume Matsuri (Dream Festival), there will be fantastic lighting!

  • Soka Asagao Market, an early summer tradition in Soka City

    Soka Asagao Market, an early summer tradition in Soka City

  • There is also a bronze statue of Matsuo Basho, a haiku poet from the early Edo period.

    There is also a bronze statue of Matsuo Basho, a haiku poet from the early Edo period.

  • Soka Matsubara in the snow is also beautiful.

    Soka Matsubara in the snow is also beautiful.

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Details

Name in Japanese
国指定名勝「おくのほそ道の風景地 草加松原」
Address
Sakae-cho 1-chome / Sakae-cho 2-chome / Sakae-cho 3-chome / Shinmei 2-chome, Soka City, Saitama
Telephone
048-922-2403 (Soka City Hall Culture and Tourism Division)
Access
(1) 5-minute walk from Dokkyodaigakumae Soka-Matsubara Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
(2) About 5 minutes by car from the Soka Interchange on the Gaikan Expressway
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)