Ozekiyama Park

In short

Ozekiyama Park is a park built on Ozekiyama, a low hill in the urban area of Miyoshi. During the Edo period, it is said to have been the site of a secondary residence of the Asano family of the Miyoshi Domain, and it is also where Aguri-hime, the lawful wife of Asano Takumi-no-kami (known from the Chushingura story), spent her childhood. In 1990, it was selected by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association as one of its "Bessen Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots."

• ​Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves​​: Of the just over 500 cherry trees, about 70% are Somei Yoshino, with large Edohigan and weeping cherry trees scattered among them. The park is also popular in autumn as a spot for fall foliage
• ​Observation Deck and Plaza​​: The observation deck offers views over the Miyoshi cityscape, and the Bohadai plaza offers views of the Gonokawa River
• ​Chushingura Connections​​: A stone statue of Aguri-hime stands beside Seishinchi Pond, and Asano-jinja Shrine is also located in the park

History and Highlights

​Ozekiyama Park​ is a park built on Ozekiyama, a low mountain located in the urban area of Miyoshi. Miyoshi is a town that developed where three rivers meet: the Gonokawa River, the Basen River, and the Saijo River. Ozekiyama is positioned along the banks of the Gonokawa River, offering a view overlooking this confluence.

A castle was situated on Ozekiyama during the medieval period. In 1601, the year following the Battle of Sekigahara, Ozeki Masakatsu, a vassal of Fukushima Masanori who ruled Aki and Bingo, entered this castle, which led to the mountain being called Ozekiyama. During the Edo period, it is said to have been the site of a shimoyashiki (secondary residence) of the Asano family of the Miyoshi Domain, and it is also where Aguri-hime, the lawful wife of Asano Takumi-no-kami (known from the Chushingura story), spent her childhood.

In 1911, the area was developed into a full-fledged park and bustled with many visitors during the cherry blossom season. In 1990, it was selected by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association as one of its "Bessen Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots."

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves​​: The park is home to around 500 cherry trees, approximately 70% of which are Somei Yoshino. A distinctive highlight of Ozekiyama is the presence of scattered large Edohigan and weeping cherry trees. The slopes feature many maples, making it popular in autumn as a prime spot for viewing fall foliage.
• ​Observation Deck and Plazas​​: The observation deck stands where the first lord of the Miyoshi Domain, Asano Nagaharu, built an astronomical observatory called "Hatsumokaku," offering sweeping views of the Miyoshi cityscape. The grounds feature plazas such as Bohadai and Geiyodai, with Bohadai providing fine views of the Gonokawa River.
• ​Chushingura Connections and Poetry Monument​​: Near the parking area, beside the dry-landscape pond named Seishinchi, stands a stone statue of Aguri-hime, and Asano-jinja Shrine is also located within the park. Another highlight is the poetry monument dedicated to Nakamura Kenkichi, an Araragi school poet from Miyoshi City.

Walking Tips

The park is a small hill with slopes and stairways, and visitors walk through its plazas and walking trails. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Right next door is Hogen-ji Temple, which is home to a weeping cherry tree said to have been planted by Oishi Kuranosuke; visiting both spots allows you to trace the connections between Miyoshi and the Chushingura story. It is also close to Miyoshi Hondori Shopping Street, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, making it easy to combine with a stroll through town. Miyoshi's famous "Sea of Fog" is introduced at the spot "Mt. Takatani Observation Deck."