Fossil and Nature Experience Center

At the vast site that spreads 46 hectares towards Hiki Hills, popular animals such as the giraffes, red pandas, koalas, as well as the ecological park of Humboldt penguins known as the “Penguin Hills” can be enjoyed. Adjacent to the park, there is a path to take strolls and a path for those interesting in cross country. This is the only zoo in Japan in which Eco Houchoo’s Gundi, Hyrax, and the world’s smallest deer, Pudu, and the Quokka, which joined to commemorate the park’s 40th anniversary, can be seen. Winter’s seasonal tradition: “Capybara Hot Spring” is very popular as well.

Known as Iwadono Kannon, Shōbōji’s official name is Iwadonosan Shōbōji. At the Bando 33 spot pilgrimage’s 10th Holy Place, people have prayed from ancient times, which lead to the achievement of a constant stream of people. During the age of civil wars, when the forces of Takeda took on Matsuyama Castle, it is said that the honjin (an officially appointed hotel with accommodations for a daimyo and his procession) was established. When you pass the row of houses that hid what used to be a constant stream of people, the Niōmon gate comes into view. If you climb up the stone steps you can see the city’s oldest bell tower and a temple built by wood dedicated to Kannon as well as a large Ginkgo tree. ※ Seasonal Information: The yellowing of the leaves of the large ginkgo tree estimated to be over 700 years-old is best in early December.

JA Saitama Chuo's Higashi Matsuyama direct sales center "Inahoterasu" is an open building constructed with local wood and natural material. The name was chosen through a contest where locals participated and came with suggestions. Inahoterasu symbolizes how the ears of rice (=inaho) will light up (=terasu) a bright future for people. Here you can find a wide variety of souvenirs from Higashimatsuyama City, such as processed pears and chestnuts, yakitori rice crackers, and other sweets!

Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels was built by the collaborative husband and wife artists Toshi and Iri Maruki to create a place where their work "The Hiroshima Panels," 15 panels depicting the effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, could be viewed by anyone at any time. In 1966, they moved to Shimogarako, Higashimatsuyama City, opening the Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels the following year, and spent more than 30 years completing all 15 panels. The museum also holds special themed exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and other events on the theme of war and life.

In 712, it is said that during the Heian period, Minamoto-no-Yorinobu, who was heading towards the suppression of Taira-no-Tadatsune, saw a dream in which he received an arrow and bow from a God riding on a white fox. Thanks to this, he was able to gain his victory in the battle, which led him to contribute to the establishment of this shrine. This prefectural cultural property is constructed as an incarnation of Buddha and the inside and outside of the main building of the shrine is crafted through the use of advanced techniques. Praying here is known to bring abundant harvests, prosperity in business, art proficiency, and good luck in challenges. Because it can be read as “Yakyū”, many of those involved in baseball visit to pray. The best time to see the flowers of the peony park is around mid-April as it blooms with the wisteria and azalea.