A lush green park sprawling across Yuuyasan, a symbol of Nagaoka. Famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, you can enjoy the beauty of fully bloomed cherry trees in spring.
Yuuyasan Park is a city park located on Yuuyasan Mountain in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. Affectionately known as "Oyama" (the mountain) by locals, The park's abundance of cherry blossom trees, many planted before its opening, are a tribute to the love of cherry blossoms held by the third lord of Nagaoka Domain, Makino Tadachika. In spring, these trees burst into full bloom, creating a breathtaking spectacle and making them a beloved symbol of Nagaoka. These cherry blossoms are often referred to as the "Senbonzakura" (thousand cherry trees). While famous for its cherry blossoms, Yuuyasan Park offers much more. It boasts a diverse range of facilities for both children and adults, including a zoo, baseball field, and swimming pool. The zoo features various animals, such as Japanese macaques and whooper swans. The baseball field hosts high school baseball games and other events, making it an important venue for the local community. The swimming pool is open seasonally during the summer, providing a refreshing place for children to play. Beyond recreation, the park also incorporates Nagaoka City Local History Museum and Sosai Shrine, offering opportunities to engage with the city's history and culture. The Nagaoka City Local History Museum showcases exhibits related to Nagaoka's rich past. Sosai Shrine, meanwhile, is dedicated to the ancestors of the Nagaoka Domain, providing a palpable connection to the area's history. Yuuyasan Park is a captivating park where nature and culture harmoniously coexist. It's a place you definitely want to visit.