Tenpyo-no-Oka Park

This place lets you feel Japan’s ancient history, with the nationally designated historic site “Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple Ruins and Kokubunniji Temple Ruins,” built in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu, who governed the nation by spreading Buddhism, as well as a museum that displays haniwa and earthenware designated by the nation as cultural properties, known as the “Kozuka Kofun Excavated Artifacts.”

Every year, the “Tenpyo Flower Festival” is held from late March to early May. During the season, starting with Usuzumi-zakura and followed by double-flowered cherry blossoms, around 500 cherry trees bloom in full glory, dyeing the entire area pink. It’s one of Tochigi Prefecture’s popular cherry blossom viewing spots, and as many as 150,000 people visited during the period. In other seasons, events are held such as the summer candle event “Shimotsuke Tomoshibizakura-kai,” the fall “Tenpyo Imoni-kai” made in a giant 8.2 ft-diameter pot, and the winter “Tenpyo Marathon.”

A great stop during your walk through the park is “10 picnic tables.” It offers a food menu including cafe items, sweets, and bento boxes. It’s a renovated traditional house called “Yoake Mae” next door, and you can use it as an eat-in space, so take your time and enjoy your meal here.