Tokushima Central Park is the second Western-style park built in Japan, following Tokyo's Hibiya Park.

With an area of 200,000 square meters, it is one of the largest parks in Japan. This vast park stretches as far as the eye can see, and is also where Tokushima Castle was once built.

The park's predecessor, Tokushima Castle, was built in 1385 by the Hosokawa clan during the Muromachi period.

Later, in 1908, to commemorate the victory in the Russo-Japanese War, the park was developed as a Western-style park, making use of the Edo period ruins, and opened to the public.

There are many attractions within the grounds, including the Tokushima Castle Museum, rose garden, and flowing pond. In spring, 250 cherry blossom trees, including Yoshino cherry trees, bloom mainly in the square in front of the museum, making it one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokushima Prefecture.

At night during the blooming season, the beautifully blooming cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical scenery.

■ Basic information
Name: Tokushima Central Park (Tokushima Castle)
Address: Tokushima-cho Jonai, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
Nearest station: JR Tokushima Station (10 minutes walk)
Business hours: You can walk around anytime
Price: Free
No regular holiday
Parking: Parking available in nearby parking lots

*Please check the website for detailed information.