Oyama Park (Nagasaki Prefecture)

This park is located on a hilltop on Fukushima Island in Matsuura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, which is connected to the mainland by a large bridge. From the observation deck, visitors can look out over the islands and blue waters of Imari Bay, with cherry blossoms in full bloom spreading out below in spring. The park is particularly scenic during cherry blossom season, attracting many visitors from outside the prefecture.

Around 500 cherry trees grow throughout the park, including Somei Yoshino and wild cherry trees. The contrast between the blossoms in full bloom and the blue sea is especially striking. The trees are also illuminated at night when they bloom, creating an enchanting view of the evening blossoms. The park also has around 40 October cherry trees, which produce some of their blossoms in October, offering the chance to see cherry blossoms twice a year.

The surrounding area is part of Genkai Quasi-National Park. In addition to the observation deck, it features an outdoor stage and a monument inscribed with a poem by scholar Enryo Inoue describing the scenery of Fukushima at the time. Well-maintained walking paths make the park a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll while taking in the seasonal plants and scenery.