When is the best time to visit Hira-ike Green Park?

The optimal time to visit is from late June to early July during the lotus blooming season. The Vietnam lotus and Oga lotus display vibrant pink flowers across the pond, with the best viewing in early morning hours when the blooms are fully open. The park is also beautiful during winter when illumination displays are installed.

How do I get to Hira-ike Green Park from Wakayama Station?

Take the Kishigawa Line from Platform 9 to Kishi Station (30 minutes, ¥410 one way). The park is walking distance from the station. Cash only, IC cards not accepted.

What can I see at the park at Hira-ike Green Park?

Vietnam and Oga lotus flowers, waterfowl, migratory birds, ancient burial mounds, and one of Wakayama's largest ponds.

Can I combine my visit with other attractions nearby?

Yes, Kishi Station, where you arrive for the park, is famous for its cat stationmaster Nitama. The station has been transformed into a cat-themed destination and is an attraction in itself, making it easy to visit both the station and the park in one trip.

Hiraike Green Park

4.1 (558)City ParkTourist AttractionNature PreserveParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 6, 2026

Hira-ike Green Park surrounds one of Wakayama Prefecture's largest ponds, offering a tranquil natural retreat in Kinokawa City. The park serves as a wildlife sanctuary where precious aquatic plants thrive and various waterfowl and migratory birds make their home throughout the year. Local residents frequently visit for walks and nature observation, with regular sightings of cranes, tortoises, and ducks around the water's edge.

The park's main attraction occurs from late June to early July, when Vietnam lotus and Oga lotus flowers bloom in bright pink across the pond's surface. These lotus displays are best viewed in the early morning hours when the flowers are fully open. The surrounding parkland is also home to ancient burial mounds (kofun), providing a glimpse into the region's historical past. These earthen tombs date back centuries and reflect the area's archaeological significance.

Visitors to Hira-ike Green Park can enjoy leisurely walks along the pond's perimeter, wildlife watching, and photography opportunities, particularly during lotus season. The park's natural setting makes it popular for peaceful outdoor recreation away from urban areas. During winter months, Kinokawa City Council installs illumination displays around the pond, transforming the park into an evening attraction.

Tickets must be purchased with cash as IC cards are not accepted on this line. A one-day pass costs ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children, providing good value for round-trip travel. Single tickets from Wakayama to Kishi Station cost ¥410 one way. Wakayama Station is accessible from Osaka in approximately 90 minutes by train.

The park is located a short walk from Kishi Station, the terminus of the Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line. Kishi Station itself has gained international fame as home to cat stationmaster Nitama (the second generation following the legendary Tama), making it easy to combine a visit to the park with this unique railway attraction. The station is approximately 14.3 kilometers from Wakayama Station, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. From Wakayama Station, take the Kishigawa Line from Platform 9 to Kishi Station. The park is within walking distance of the station.

Traveler reviews

In mid-June, the Oga lotus flowers are incredibly beautiful and well worth seeing. You might even spot ducks and black swans, making for a peaceful and tranquil experience surrounded by nature. The fountain, which goes off at set times, offers a fantastic photo opportunity if you time it right! Many people use this spot for walking or strolling their dogs, making it a beloved local spot. However, due to the season, weeds can grow thick in some areas, making the ground slippery, and there are quite a few insects. When strolling around, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and take precautions against insects!

あう。

Jun 17, 2026

The area around the pond, which has been developed as a walking or jogging course, is ideal. There is a black butterfly that lives there, but it is sometimes there and sometimes not. This park is also famous for its Oga lotus flowers.

This park is famous for its Christmas illuminations, but in the summer you can also see lotus flowers and various wild birds. It's a convenient place with free parking, restrooms, and benches scattered throughout. It's not crowded outside of Christmas. You can observe wild birds. Lotus flowers bloom from around late June. There are multiple parking areas. Be careful as the access roads to the parking lots are narrow.

I went out to see the lotus flowers on a sunny day. The Oga lotus and Vietnamese lotus were in full bloom, and the fountain came on at certain times, creating a beautiful scene. However, there were some people with poor manners, and I saw large dog droppings here and there, making it difficult to walk around without being vigilant.

On New Year's Day night, I suddenly decided to come to the Kishigawa illuminations at Hiraike Ryokuchi Park. As expected, it was New Year's Day, so there weren't many people there, and I didn't have to worry about my surroundings. I kept repeating "Amazing! The best!" despite my age lol. And parking and admission are free, which is also very appealing! I've decided to come back next year. It's a wonderful park that I'd like to visit in the daylight hours.

Hiraike Green Park

Overview

Places & attractions near Hiraike Green Park

Wakayama Castle

Senjojiki

Kokawadera Temple, Kinokawa

Nyoirin Kannon Temple (Nagata Kannon), Kinokawa