Tenpyo no Oka Park Travel Guide

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.