Majin Park

Overview

Majin Park is a municipal park (a comprehensive park) located in Kameda, Masuda-cho, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. Its origins trace back to 1917 (Taisho 6), when it was developed in former Masuda-cho as a project commemorating the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. Situated about 3km east of the center of the Masuda area of Yokote City, the park encompasses the western foothills of Majin Mountain (Matosan, elevation 390.1m). The name "Majin" is said to derive from Kiyohara Majin Takenori. The park's landscaping was undertaken by Yahei Nagaoka, also known for his work on other prominent parks in Akita Prefecture such as Senshu Park and Yokote Park. With Majin Mountain as a backdrop, cherry, plum, iris, azalea, and apple trees are planted around the park's pond. Recognized as one of the prefecture's best cherry blossom spots, it's been selected as one of the Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites. Furthermore, in 1952 (Showa 27), it ranked 16th (44,872 votes) in the first Akita Prefecture's Thirty Scenic Views (approximately 1.95 million votes) sponsored by the Akita Kai Shimbun, and 7th in the New Akita Thirty Scenic Views of 1977 (Showa 52). Because former Masuda-cho served as the filming location for the first post-war film, "Soyokaze," a monument to its theme song, "Ringo no Uta" (Apple Song), stands within the park (established in 1989). Events such as the cherry blossom festival (late April - early May), the tub-rowing championship (August 16th), and the apple festival (mid-October) are held within the park.