Seki Park’s Cherry blossom of hope

A well-established Japanese sweets shop in Yoshikawa City that has been in business for 60 years. It was relocated to the backside of Yoshikawa Shrine and reopened in 2019. The famous "Namazu Manju" made with homemade red bean paste, which is rare nowadays, is a perfect souvenir. We also recommend the "Namazu Monaka," which allows you to compare the lean and coarse red bean paste and the freshly made dumplings you can enjoy in the store.

In 1187, the Yoshikawa clan reestablished the indigenous deity of Suwa shrine as the guardian deity of the Yoshikawa Shrine. The precincts of the shrine also include a Yasaka Shrine, Furumine Shrine, Inari Shrine, Matsuo Shrine, Yoshikawa Tenmangu Shrine, Suijingu Eight Great Dragons, and Shikatou Daimyojin. The old Shimotsuma Highway runs behind the shrine, and the large bay and camphor trees in the front and back parts of the precincts tell us that this is a shrine with a long history. Every year in July, the Yasaka Festival, which has a history of about 400 years, is held. The highlight is the "mikoshi," portable shrines that are carried and thrown high above the heads of the bearers.

This is a long-established rice cracker shop known for its large signboard. The cute "namazu sembei (rice cracker)" in the shape of a catfish symbolize Yoshikawa, the home of the catfish, and is a popular souvenir. Another favorite, with many repeat customers, is the Yoshikawa Chips, made with 100% Yoshikawa-grown rice flour and deep-fried in a secret recipe of soy sauce and vegetable oil. Both products have been certified as premium brands by Yoshikawa City.

From the top of the park's symbol, the 16-meter high "Yoshikawa Mount Fuji," you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. On a clear day, you can see the Tokyo Sky Tree and, if you're lucky, even the real Mount Fuji! Most of the park is covered with a green lawn making the park feel spacious and open.

At the Hanayo Glass Studio of Tamami Sudo, a glass blowing artist who has done exhibitions at numerous famous department stores, you can try your hand at glass blowing and sandblasting (reservations required). The studio is popular, both for the thorough instructions that make it enjoyable for anyone, as well as the fact that you make a memento that you can bring with you home. You can also enjoy the stunning works of Tamami Sudo that are on display in the studio.