FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURAL PARKS

Fukushima has eleven Prefectural Parks, each with their own unique scenery and landscape. The first five Prefectural Parks were established in 1948 in an attempt to preserve each respective area's natural beauty while at the same time to assure it was utilized in a responsible manner. In both 1951 and 1953, respectively, three new areas were added to the list of Prefectural Parks, bringing the total to eleven.

Iwaki Coast Park The Iwaki Coast Park is a lengthy stretch of beach lined with pine trees and rocky bluffs. Its spectacular northern part is called the Shin-Maiko Coast. Near the middle of the Iwaki Coast stands the famous Shioyazaki Lighthouse. In the southernmost area of the park lies the thriving trading port of Onahama. The park also contains seven adjacent bathing beaches known as "Iwaki Nana-hama."

Left: Sunrise at Hattachi in the Iwaki Coast Park

Okawa-Hatori Park This park contains the Okawa River, the man-made Lake Hatori, and surrounding mountains. Major spots of interest include the weathered rock formations of To-no-hetsuri, the Hatori Dam, and many fishing spots along the park's streams. The park also contains the Ashi-no-maki and Futamata hot spring resorts.

Left: A still Okawa River and the weather-eroded To-no-hetsuri rock formations

Ryozen Park Ryozen Park consists of Mt. Ryozen and its environs along the northern tip of the Abukuma Mountain Range. From the top of Mt. Ryozen, one can overlook the Pacific Ocean below and view the Zao and Azuma-Adatara Mountain Ranges in the distance. This Park is especially popular in the fall, when the variegated autumn foliage blazes to life in a crescendo of vibrant colors.

Left: Autumn at Rvozen Park

Kasumi ga-jo Castle Park This scenic park contains Kasumi-ga-jo Castle, which is associated with the tragic fall of the Nihonmatsu Clan, and the site of Kiri-ga-jo Castle, which was once one of Japan's most famous castles. The park is particularly beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. In the fall is the famous Chrysanthemum Doll Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Left: Kasumi-ga-jo Castle in Nihonmatsu

Matsukawa-Ura Park Matsu-kawa-Ura is a bay that lies at the mouths of the Uda and Koizumi Rivers on the northern Fukushima Coast. A long sand bank extends northward from the beach to separate the bay from the open sea. In spring, many people throng to Matsukawa-Ura for shell gathering. The bay is also known for its seaweed cultivation.

Left: Matsukawa-Ura Bay

Nanko Park Nanko Park claims to be Japan's first park. It was ordered built during the Edo period (1600-1868) by Lord Sadanobu Matsudaira of the Shirakawa Clan for both irrigation and recreational purposes. The park contains Nanko Lake, which features an islet in its center. The lakeside features pine, maple, cherry and other kinds of trees that add color to each season. The park also contains a tea arbor.

Left: Nanko Lake with the Nasit Mountains in the background

Natsuigawa Gorge Park The Natsui River flows from the inner Abukuma Plateau, courses through the city of Iwaki, and pours into the Pacific Ocean. The Natsuigawa Gorge Park encompasses the valley of the river and its tributary, the Eda River. The park features an area called Setogaro, which is noted for its fantastic rock formations.

Left: Natsuigawa Gorge

Central Abukuma Plateau ParkThis park is located in the center of the Abukuma Plateau and contains many mountains and gorges, as well as a stalactite cave. Wild flowers abound during the summer season and the park is known for its fine climbing and camping areas.

Left: Takasegawu Gorge in the Central Abukuma Plateau Park

Nakoso Park The Nakoso Park combines coastal beauty with a hilly area in the southern part of the Abukuma Plateau. A major place of interest is the site of the ancient Nakoso-no-seki, an old highway checkpoint. Today the site of the Nakoso-no-seki stands serenely among pine and cherry trees.

Oku Kuji Park The Oku-KujiPark is located along the Kuji River at the southern tip of the Abukuma Plateau. With Mt. Yamatsuri, famous for its fantastic shaped rocks, as a focus, there is also the Kujigawa Gorge and a beautiful forest which turns colorful in the early summer when wild azaleas start to bloom.

Left: Kuji River

Tadami-Yanaizu Park TheTadami-Yanaizu Park is located on the western edge of Fukushima Prefecture along the Tadami River. The town of Yanaizu is the starting point for boating down the Tadami River and is also well-known as a hot spring resort.

Left: Boating on the Tadami River