Shichitsudo Park

Overview

Shichitsudo Park is a municipal park in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, opened in 1999 as a natural landscape garden in the English style. Spanning approximately 8 hectares, its authentic English garden, designed by a British landscape consultancy, is quite rare in Japan. The park is divided into two areas: Area A, centered around the 50-meter-diameter English-style circular flower bed known as "Secret Garden," and Area B, featuring five dams and ponds. Area A boasts a tranquil space filled with English roses and seasonal flowers, enclosed by brick walls and hedges. Area B allows visitors to stroll along naturally winding paths, enjoying the gentle murmur of a stream and freely growing trees. Scattered throughout are pavilions and follies reminiscent of ancient Rome, making it easy to understand why it was chosen as a filming location for 'Thermae Romae'. Shichitsudo Park's name originates from the Gongenyama Yokana-gun ruins within the park. This site contains seven ancient horizontal shaft tombs (although currently only five are confirmed), once known as "Shichitsudo" (Seven Caves). These tombs offer a glimpse into the history of the Kofun period. Shichitsudo Park is truly a healing space where you can immerse yourself in nature and history. It's the perfect place for those seeking a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.