[Akita] Enjoy flowers, historical sites, and hot springs at the same time! Yurihonjo City Historic Site “Honjo Park”

Honjo Park, located in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, is known as a famous place where typical Japanese spring flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas are in full bloom. In mid-April, cherry blossom viewing stalls are lined up, and many people, from local residents to tourists, visit. The park also has a pond and a walking course, making it a perfect spot to take a walk while admiring the cherry blossoms and azaleas.

But that's not all. Honjo Park is an interesting historical site and is full of history. We would like to introduce you to Honjo Park, a famous spot located in Yurihonjo City, a municipality in the south of Akita Prefecture.

Historical park remaining in Yurihonjo City

Honjo Park, located about a 10-minute walk from Ugohonjo Station, is the castle ruins built by Mitsushige, the head of the Honjo Buzen. Its unique feature is that it was built with sandbags and trenches, without the use of stone walls. When you think of Japanese castles, you probably get the impression of tall stone walls. However, the castle ruins that became Honjo Park were a little different from the image of Japanese castles.During the Taisho era, the castle ruins were developed into a historical park, and today they are loved as a place of relaxation for citizens.

There are several routes to enter the park, some of which enter through the gate like this.

The historic gate that remains in the city center is a symbol of Yurihonjo City's famous attractions. There is a moat right next to the gate, and depending on the time of day you can see children looking into the moat. Although it is a historic gate, it has completely blended into the lives of the citizens.

There is a cherry blossom festival in April! It is also a famous place for azaleas.

Honjo Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and during the season, the cherry blossoms in the park bloom profusely, creating a scene that resembles a pink carpet. The Cherry Blossom Festival is held from mid-April, and there are many stalls lined up, including plants selling plants, bekkou candy shops, and Yurihonjo specialty shops.

Once the cherry blossoms are over, it's azalea season. Festivals are also held during azalea season, and many events are held within the park. It's fun to stroll through the garden where the flowers bloom.

There is also a museum and hot springs in the park.

What's interesting about Honjo Park is that there is a history museum called ``Shushikan'', a pool, and a hot spring inside the park. The history museum exhibits materials, paintings, folk crafts, and excavated earthenware related to the history of Yurihonjo City. For history buffs, there are also interesting pieces of armor on display.

Admission to the Shushinkan is free. After visiting this place, it would be a good idea to visit Tsurumai Onsen, a hot spring that floats like a palace in the pond within the park. Tsurumai Onsen stands next to a pond and is said to look like Ryugu Castle from Japanese folk tales.

This is also a scene from the museum inside the park. Hanging from the wooden ceiling is a Gotenmari, a specialty of Yurihonjo City. It is characterized by intricate patterns drawn by hand, stitch by stitch. Shops in Yurihonjo City sell Goten Mari in a variety of patterns, colors, and sizes, and Goten Mari are displayed all over museums, stations, etc.

lastly

We introduced Honjo Park in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. It's not uncommon for castle ruins to be turned into parks, but it's a rare case to have a hot spring and pool attached to the park.

During the cherry blossom season, you can leisurely enjoy the cherry blossoms and then learn about the history at the museum. During azalea season, you can enjoy a hot spring after viewing the flowers. It is a place with great scenery and a relaxing time. Please be sure to stop by when sightseeing in Akita.

INFORMATION