Numata Park
About Numata Park
Numata Park is famous for cherry blossoms. You will feel the coming of spring with Gotenzakura cherry blossoms which is said to be 400 years old and Someiyoshino cherry blossoms surrounding the park. This park is famous for ‘Numata Castle’ once ruled by Sanada Clan. There are bronze statues of Nobuyuki Sanada and his wife, Princess Komatsu, welcoming all. In addition to cherry blossoms, flowers in season bloom with glory and brighten up the statues of Mr. and Mrs. Sanada. Have a little break at the tourist information center and you can also enjoy shopping.
Numata Castle Ruin where Nobuyuki and Princess Komatsu resided
Numata Park is the place where beautiful flowers bloom in every season and many tourists and local residents visit. Uesugi, Takeda and Gohojo repeatedly battled fiercely over the castle during the period of the warring states. Later, Sanada made a residence in the castle and completed building the fortress. Today, part of the remains of the castle can be viewed. The park is famous for cherry blossoms with its symbol ‘Gotenzakura’ cherry tree along with over 200 cherry trees.
In addition, the Historic Ubukata House, designated as a national important cultural property on June 17, 1970, was relocated to the park from Kamino-cho in 1973. The Memorial Museum was built next to it. Located at north side of the Historic Ubukata House, the Historic Toki Residence was resided by the descendants of Yorioki Toki who was the last lord of Numata Castle. The house was donated in 1990 and relocated from Tokyo in August 1991.
―Cherry Blossoms―
There are about 210 cherry trees such as Someiyoshino in Numata Park. Branching out over the stone wall of the castle ruins, is an over 400 years old Higanzakura cherry tree is the symbol of Numata Park and is called Gotenzakura, which meaning the palace cherry tree.
―Stone Wall―
The stone wall of the castle ruins was built in the Sanada era, and its appearance remains same as the original after over 300 years.
―Bell Tower―
This Bell Tower was originally built to protect the castle bell which was made for welfare of the territory by Nobuyoshi Sanada, a son of Nobuyuki and Princess Komatsu. It was restored to its original state.
―View Point―
Majestic mountains such as the Tanigawadake mountain range, Mt. Hotaka, and Mt. Mitsumine can be seen from the view point. At the same time, you will find that Numata Castle was built on a small hill.
―Statues of Nobuyuki Sanada and Princess Komatsu―
These stone statues are Nobuyuki Sanada, first lord of the castle, and his wife, Princess Komatsu, This lucky spot for happy marriage is a popular photo spot among newlyweds hoping to be a couple like them.
―Flowers―
Various kinds of flowers bloom in every season in Numata Park.
【April】Cherry blossoms
【April to July】Azaleas
【Mid-April】Tulips
【July to August】Golden Lace Flowers
【July to October】Globe Amaranth
Historic Ubukata House and Ubukata Memorial Museum
The Historic Ubukata House, an old machiya-zukuri style (traditional merchant's houses style) in eastern Japan, was a Tsumairi (Japanese traditional architectural style where the main entrance is on one or both of the gabled sides) with shingle roof. It is believed to be built around the end of seventeenth century from its style and technique.
It was designated as a national important cultural property on June 17, 1970.
The Ubukata Memorial Museum was built by the side.
Ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints), paintings and calligraphic works (hanging scroll and framed), and artifacts collected by Mr. Makoto Ubukata who was a mayor of Numata and also a former owner of Historic Ubukata House (a national important cultural property) are exhibited.
Numata Tourists Information Center
In addition to tourist information, Sanada goods, local produce, and historic materials related to Numata are available. There is a guided tour of the Park by Numata-lovers tour guide.