Mizukokaizuka Museum・Park

The inside of the park adjoins the Nanbata Castle Park Museum, located in the center of the premise, and is divided into the east and west sections. On the east side, is the “Shiroato Zone” in which the figure of the Nanbata Castle Park is restored, and on the west side is the “Kominka Zone” in which the relocated Kominka built in the city is restored. The enclosure, water moat, earthwork of the Sengoku Period of the Nanbata Castle have been restored in “Shiroato Zone”. There are hygrophytes such as the water lily planted at the water moat and scenes of each of the four seasons can be enjoyed. In the “Kominka Zone”, there are relocated buildings of two old houses and a gate of a townhouse designated as the city’s cultural property which was built at the beginning of the Meiji period. Annexes such as the granaries, libraries, barns are newly built and Fujimi’s nostalgic scenery of a farm is reproduced. At the granary, one can watch performing arts peculiar to the local area along with a video of restored old houses. Further, “Chokkura” is attached to the regional exchange facility, and local produce and souvenirs can also be purchased.

Centering around a permanent exhibit regarding local Asaka introduced under the 4 categories: archaeology, history, folklore, arts and crafts, it is an “environment for learning and being in peace” with events such as special exhibits, exhibits with a particular theme, lectures and trial classes taking place.

Houses of farmers who are responsible for the production of Miyoshi-machi’s specialty product “Fuji-no-kawagoe-Imo” are lined up on the highroad. During the season, banner-flags are risen and a range of products can be bought directly from each farmer which is something that can only be done at the district of production (from September to January). There are also farmers who sell ice cream and yōkan made by Fuji-no-kawagoe-Imo and shōchū. In addition, there are large Japanese zelkovas on both sides of the highroad which is another highlight.

The park, developed along the Arakawa riverbed's regulating pond "Saiko," retains a rich natural environment that lets you feel the changing seasons despite its location near the city center. You can enjoy BBQ in the spacious plaza where you can choose between free sites where you bring everything yourself or reservations sites where everything is arranged for you. Furthermore there are tennis courts, dog friendly spaces, fishing spots and the lakeside area is a popular spot for cycling and windsurfing. With easy access by car, the park attracts more than one million visitors a year!

The water used for stopping wildfire was diverted from the Tamagawa Aqueduct (Tokyo, Kodaira City) in 1655 as drinking water for the pioneers of the plateau at the order of Kawagoe’s daimyō, Matsudaira Nobutsuna. Today, there is a promenade set up around the city water and is made into a valued street where one can enjoy nature and relax. With the total length being about 24 km, it also nourishes the rice paddies of Shiki City, Muneoka.