Nanko Park, a Nationally Designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty

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Nanko Park, a Nationally Designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty

Seasonal colors reflect on the lake’s surface. Enjoy a relaxing moment at a park where the spirit of “Shimin Kyōraku” lives on.

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This scenic park was created by Matsudaira Sadanobu, lord of the Shirakawa Domain, who once ruled this area. Around Nanko Lake, walking paths and park spaces extend for Approx. 2 km, where pine, cherry, and maple trees delight visitors with seasonal scenery throughout the year.

Scattered throughout the park are elegant spots such as Kyorakutei, a teahouse designated as an Important Cultural Property by the city and overlooking Nanko Lake (its interior is usually closed to the public, though it is open on select days), as well as the Seventeen Scenic Spots, where stone monuments of high historical value still remain. Suirakuen, a beautiful stroll garden with a central pond, is also popular with visitors, as you can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets while admiring the garden and spending a refined, relaxing time.

After a leisurely stroll, be sure to stop by Nanko Shrine, a well-known power spot for academic success and matchmaking. In spring, the shrine grounds are graced by the towering Rakuo-zakura, a sacred tree over 200 years old that bursts into full bloom, and its beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Highlights

  • A park created by Matsudaira Sadanobu, lord of the Shirakawa Domain, based on the philosophy of “Shimin Kyōraku.”
  • Elegant spots are scattered throughout the park, including a city-designated Important Cultural Property teahouse and a stroll garden with a central pond.
  • During your walk, be sure to stop by Nanko Shrine, a power spot for academic success and matchmaking.

Photos

  • Created by Matsudaira Sadanobu, lord of the Shirakawa Domain

    Created by Matsudaira Sadanobu, lord of the Shirakawa Domain

  • Kyorakutei, a teahouse standing in a scenic spot overlooking Nanko Lake

    Kyorakutei, a teahouse standing in a scenic spot overlooking Nanko Lake

  • The Nanko Seventeen Scenic Spots Poetry Monument stands west of Kyorakutei

    The Nanko Seventeen Scenic Spots Poetry Monument stands west of Kyorakutei

  • Suirakuen, a beautifully designed stroll garden with a central pond

    Suirakuen, a beautifully designed stroll garden with a central pond

  • Nanko Shrine is known as a shrine for academic success and matchmaking

    Nanko Shrine is known as a shrine for academic success and matchmaking

  • A nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty where Matsudaira Sadanobu’s philosophy of “Shimin Kyōraku” lives on

    A nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty where Matsudaira Sadanobu’s philosophy of “Shimin Kyōraku” lives on

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are there coin lockers?

A

No, there are not.

Q

Are there restrooms?

A

Yes, there are.

Q

Is there a smoking area?

A

No, there is not.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
国指定史跡・名勝「南湖公園」
Postal Code
961-0812
Address
Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone
0248-22-1147 (Shirakawa Tourism and Local Products Association) / Suirakuen: 0248-23-6888
Closed on
Open for free strolling year-round (Suirakuen is closed during the year-end and New Year holidays, on the second Wednesday of December–February, and on the second Wednesday and Thursday of March and July)
Hours
Open for free strolling at all times (Suirakuen 9:00 am–5:00 pm)
Admission
Free for strolling (Suirakuen admission: adults 350 yen, junior and senior high school students 170 yen, groups of at least 20: adults 300 yen, junior and senior high school students 150 yen / admission + matcha and sweets set: adults 850 yen, junior and senior high school students 700 yen *Admission free for elementary school age and younger)
Access
1) Approx. 15 minutes on foot from the “Nanko Koen” bus stop on the JR Bus Kanto Hakuhō Line
2) Approx. 10 minutes on foot from the “Nanko Higashiguchi” bus stop on the Shirakawa City Loop Bus Kominetto Middle Loop Course
Credit Cards
Not accepted *Cashless payment is also not available
Official website
Official website (Japanese)