Shizumine Furusato Park

For generations, Shizujinja Shrine has drawn worship as Hitachi Province’s second-ranked shrine. On the rolling hills just to the west, Shizumine Furusato Park spreads out as a cherry blossom viewing spot—also selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Across this vast 12-hectare park, the stars are roughly 2,000 double-flowered cherry trees in around 10 varieties, including Kanzan, Ichiyo, and Shogetsu. The park is also home to Approx. 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and because the double-flowered blossoms start blooming as the Somei Yoshino begin to fall, visitors can enjoy two peak cherry blossom periods in a single spring. In mid to late April—during double-flowered cherry season—the park hosts the Yaezakura Festival. On event days, the grounds fill with food stalls along with stage events such as dance and taiko drum performances, drawing large crowds every year. For part of the festival period, the cherry trees are also illuminated at night, creating a dreamy atmosphere unlike the daytime view.

Beyond cherry blossom season, the park is beloved by Naka residents as a relaxing spot with facilities such as BBQ areas, a ground golf course, and children’s playground equipment. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal plants throughout the year, including plum blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, and fall foliage. Note that the parking lot, which is usually free, is paid only during the Yaezakura Festival period.