A peaceful park where you can experience history and culture amidst lush greenery.
Oiso Joyama Park, located in Oiso-machi, Nakagun, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a vast prefectural urban park (scenic park) developed on the former sites of a Mitsui zaibatsu villa and the former residence of Shigeru Yoshida. It is said that a castle called "Koiso-jo" stood on this site during the Muromachi period. Later, during the Meiji period, the Mitsui zaibatsu built a villa here, and in the early Showa period, the prominent Japanese statesman Shigeru Yoshida owned a villa on the land. The park has been beautifully landscaped to harmonize with nature, preserving these historical structures. Within the former Mitsui villa grounds, you'll find the 'Joyama-an' tea house, the Oiso-machi Local History Museum, the Kita-kura Gallery, and an observation deck. The former Shigeru Yoshida residence area features a statue of Shigeru Yoshida, his former residence, a Japanese garden, and the Shichiken-do hall. From the observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of majestic Mount Fuji and the blue Sagami Bay, offering a powerful sense of nature and history. The park also boasts beautiful flowers throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. In spring, cherry blossoms paint the park in shades of pink. In autumn, the leaves ablaze with fiery reds and yellows. Oiso Joyama Park displays diverse beauty throughout the year, offering something new to discover with every visit. With its tranquil walking paths, historical structures, and stunning natural scenery, Oiso Joyama Park is a highly recommended tourist spot for a relaxing and memorable experience.