Parks and the outdoors in Tsuyama

Parks and the outdoors in Tsuyama

1. Do

   Green Hills Tsuyama

   グリーンヒルズ津山グラスハウス

   Although it offers some gardens and areas for outdoor activities, most people come here for the Glass House, an indoor swimming area. It is divided into two sections: the pool zone for fun in the water, and the fitness zone for those interested in working out.

2. See

   Joto Old Town House

   城東むかし町家

   Located in the former Kajimura House (梶村家), a wealthy merchant family. The main house was built in the Edo Period and the houses behind were built in the Taisho and Showa Periods. Visitors can enter the house and other buildings and enjoy its lovely garden.

   09:00-17:00, closed Tue·Free

3. See

   Kakuzan Park

   鶴山公園 Kakuzan koen

   This park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle (津山城), once considered to be the most spectacular Japanese castle. Since the castle was decommissioned during the Meiji Period, all that remains₨ are the castle walls however, they are truly well-preserved, and a walk around the castle grounds offers many great views of the city and a feel for the castle's former grandeur. The small turret, the only castle structure in the park, was reconstructed in 2004 out of wood to stay true to the original to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Tsuyama Castle. The park has gained fame as not only being the best place in Okayama but also as the best place in the entire Chugoku region for viewing cherry blossoms due to its 1,000 cherry blossom trees, scenic ruins, and festive atmosphere. It is also a great place to view the changing leaves in the fall. There is a heart-shaped stone in the walls of the former honmaru that is a popular photo-op, particularly among women. It is even featured on some of the souvenirs.

   Closed · opens 8:40 am·¥300

4. See

   Shurakuen Garden

   衆楽園 Shūraku-en

   Constructed in 1657 by Mori Nagatsugu, one of Tsuyama's feudal lords, Shurakuen is a strolling garden used as a place to entertain guests. While the current garden is sizable, the original was three times larger. The garden is considered worthwhile in every season with cherry blossoms in the spring, lillies in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and snow in the winter (if you're lucky).

   Closed · opens 7 am·Free

5. See

   Umenosato Park

   梅の里公園 Ume no sato kouen

   For those in the area in February or March, just prior to the cherry blossoms, this park makes a great location to see Japan's other famous flowers; plum blossoms. With 3800 plum trees, it's extremely beautiful, not to mention fragrant, to see them all in bloom.

   24 hr·Free

6. See

   Yayoi no Sato

   弥生の里

   People have been living in Tsuyama and the surrounding area since ancient times. Yayoi no Sato has a museum (the Yayoi Culture Center) containing artifacts and displays about the villages that existed here during the Yayoi Period. Across the street from the center the Yayoi no Sato is a park area containing life-size replicas of Yayoi Period houses and other structures.

   Closed · opens 9 am·Free

7. See

   Yokono Falls

   横野滝

   A scenic waterfall made up of three falls; a small one at the top leading to a 7-meter fall that finally flows down a 16-meter waterfall. It's a popular place among locals to get away and enjoy the nature as well as a nice place to see colorful leaves in the fall. In the summer months there is a restaurant by the waterfall serving nagashi-sōmen (流しそうめん), noodles flowing down bamboo chutes that you catch on your chopsticks to eat.

8. Do Not mapped

   Gongo Festival

   In honor of Gongo (a kappa, one of Japan's mythical creatures), the Gongo Festival is a lively celebration with parades in the daytime and fireworks at night. The festival is held alongside the Yoshii River and on the opposite side are various vendors and food stands. Lanterns are hung from above and the fireworks are shot over the river.

   First Sat-Sun in Aug

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tsuyama (CC BY-SA 4.0).