Numata Park (Numata Castle Ruins)

Overview

Numata Park is a castle ruins park in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, built by the Sanada clan. It's a place with a rich history, once fiercely contested by the Uesugi, Takeda, and Hojo clans, before eventually becoming a stronghold of the Sanada. Today, it's renowned for its approximately 210 cherry blossoms in spring. The Goden-zakura, an ancient Edohigan cherry tree with its branches spreading widely from the west turret's stone wall, is a symbolic landmark of the park. During cherry blossom season, many tourists visit to enjoy hanami. Within the park lies the "Former Ikumagawa Residence," designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, offering a glimpse into the lives of people in bygone eras. This building, believed to have been constructed in the late 17th century, is a machiya (traditional townhouse) with a wife-entry and board roof. Its style and techniques are exemplary of the architecture of that time. It was designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property in 1970 and relocated to its current location in 1973. Next to the Former Ikumagawa Residence is the Ikumagawa Memorial Museum, displaying materials related to the Ikumagawa family. The park also features statues of Sanada Nobuyuki, the first lord of the Sanada clan, and his wife, Komatsu-hime. Komatsu-hime was the daughter of Honda Tadakatsu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, and is said to have become a foster daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu before marrying Nobuyuki. She is known for her refusal to allow her father-in-law, Sanada Masayuki, and her brother-in-law, Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige), to enter Numata during the Battle of Sekigahara. When Nobuyuki lost his wife, he grieved, saying, "The light of my house has gone out." Taking a picture at this power spot dedicated to their enduring love might just bring you marital bliss like theirs. While famed for its cherry blossoms, Numata Park boasts a variety of seasonal flowers, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. Enjoy the beautiful scenery year-round – cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage. Numata Park is a representative tourist spot in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, where history and nature harmoniously coexist. It's beloved by history buffs, nature lovers, photographers, couples, and families alike. Come visit Numata Park and experience its charm firsthand.