From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tenpyo no Oka Park.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Tenpyo no Oka Park: A Blend of History and Nature
Discover history and nature at Tenpyo no Oka Park in Tochigi, Japan, with cherry blossoms, cultural sites, and seasonal festivals.
Tenpyo no Oka Park in Shimotsuke, Tochigi, is a sprawling park that combines natural beauty with historical significance. Known for its 450 double-flowered cherry trees, the park is a popular spot during the spring bloom. It also hosts the annual Tenpyo Flower Festival in April and the Tenpyo Potato Stew Party in November.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Tenpyo no Oka Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Discover more about Tenpyo no Oka Park
Tenpyo no Oka Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical exploration. The park's expansive grounds encompass pristine forests and several historical sites, providing a serene escape and a journey back in time.
During spring, the park bursts into color with approximately 450 double-flowered cherry trees, drawing many visitors for the Tenpyo Flower Festival, which is held from late March to late April. This is a prime time to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The park also features cultural facilities such as the Shimotsuke Fudoki no Oka Museum, where visitors can delve into local history. A unique attraction is the stone-walled, keyhole-shaped ancient tomb of Kunimiyama, where clapping hands in the ring-shaped area creates echoing sounds. Additionally, the park hosts the Tenpyo Imoni Festival on the first Sunday of November, serving Imoni soup made with local produce to around 3,000 guests.
Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the 'Botchan Bus,' which offers a 15-minute tour around the park, departing from the folklore museum. The park is also near other attractions such as the Biwazuka Kofun, the Site of Shimotsuke Provincial Temple and the Tochigi Archaeological Research Center. During summer, the park hosts the Shimotsuke To-ou-e Illumination, where over 6,000 cup lanterns are placed on the lawn.
Explore places near Tenpyo no Oka Park
Getting There
Public Transport
From JR Koganei Station, take a taxi for approximately 8 minutes to reach Tenpyo no Oka Park. Alternatively, you can walk from the station in about 40 minutes. Japan Railways Shinkansen operates trains from Tokyo Station to Jichi Medical University Station, which is about 1h 34m. From there, Tenpyo no Oka Park is a short taxi ride away. Subway tickets in Tokyo cost around ¥100-¥200 for a single trip. A taxi from Koganei Station to the park will cost approximately ¥1,000-¥1,500.
Car
Tenpyo no Oka Park is approximately 10 minutes by car from Mibu Station on the Tobu Utsunomiya Line and about 30 minutes from the Tochigi IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Parking is available at the park. During the Tenpyo Flower Festival (April 10-30), parking fees are charged: ¥400 for small cars, ¥800 for microbuses, and ¥1,000 for large vehicles. Parking fees in Japan average around ¥300-¥600 per hour.
A brief summary to Tenpyo no Oka Park
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Shimotsuke
Discover the tranquility and charm of Shimotsuke, Japan's hidden gem, where history, nature, and culture come together in a serene and picturesque setting.
Tell me more about Shimotsuke