Hakusan Park is one of the first and oldest public parks built in Japan. It is located in Niigata prefecture, west coast of Japan and famously known for its hanging garden of pink vibrant cherry blossom during the springtime.
Witness the colours of spring at Hakusan Park
Hakusan park was first built during 1873 and it is one of the first and oldest parks in Japan built for public citizens. Hakusan park is also selected in the top 100 urban parks in Japan, making it one of the best parks to visit. During the springtime, you will not only enjoy the beautiful bloom of Yoshino cherry but its double flowered blossom. At night, the cherry trees are set up with lighting, creating a lovely unique atmosphere for a different kind of Hanami. Another special thing you will get to see around this time is the blossom of red plum flowers. The main characteristic differences of cherry and plum blossom are that the petals of plum flowers are darker in colour compared to cherry flowers and cherry flowers consist of a small split at the end of each petal. Plum blossom is not just beautiful to look at but also has a nice sweet fragrance. So if you are to look for a place for Hanami, Hakusan Park should be definitely on the list.
Hakusan Shrine, the scared spot of Hakusan Park
Hakusan park is also a great place to experience Japanese's unique culture. Hakusan Shirine is located just next to the park, it is one of the oldest Shinto Shrine with a history of 1000 years. Although people visit the Hakusan Shrine for the prayer of health, safe pregnancy etc, the shrine is known as the god of marriage so many people visit to pray for their successful relationship or marriage.
Another reason to visit Hakusan park during spring is Hakusan Shrine hold a festival called Hakusan's Spring Festival to celebrate the rice harvest and pray for disaster relief during the cherry blossom period. This festival is also perfect if you are a foodie as you get to taste many local snacks and food from the food stalls.
Other features of Hakusan Park
Hakusan park is a lovely place throughout the year as it comprises many greenery, ponds, Dutch-style gardens, and hills area. You can also spot Japan's famous colourful and vibrant Koi fishes at the ponds as well as lotus flowers. There is also a playground for kids so the park is not only wonderful for adults but kids can enjoy a great time. While exploring around the park, you could also see a statue of a faithful Shiba dog called "Tamakou" which helped its owner from avalanche twice. One of the large rivers in Japan called Shinano river also pass through the Hakusan park, there are so much more to see other than the beautiful cherry blossom.
How to visit?
From Tokyo, Niigata takes about 2 hours via bullet train. If you are vising the place via train, get on Echigo line from Niigata station to Hakusan Station. The Hakusan Park is only 1 km away from the Hakusan station. The park is also accessible via Niigata Transportation Bus to City Hall. From the city hall, it only takes about 3-minutes' walk to the park. Alternatively, you can take a Niigata city loop bus from Niigata station that will directly drop you off at the Hakusan Park. ### Reference listhttp://villagehiker.com/travel/travel-japan/hakusan-park-sakura-in-niigata-japan-vh-jn-06.html
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