When is the best time to visit Kakyo Park?

The park offers distinct experiences across seasons. Spring features beautiful cherry trees, with the annual Hanagatami Cherry Blossom Festival held in early April when approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom throughout the grounds. Autumn brings gorgeous fall foliage, with late November being peak season for autumn leaves. The hillside becomes covered in colorful maple trees, creating a spectacular natural display. Both seasons are equally popular, though autumn tends to be less crowded despite the stunning views.

How do I get to Kakyo Park?

Kakyo Park is located in eastern Echizen City, not far from the famed 'Paper Village'. The park is most easily accessed by car, with parking available on-site. For those using public transportation, take a train from Fukui Station to reach Echizen City, then arrange local transportation such as a taxi to reach the park, as it's located in the Awatabe area away from the main train stations.

What can I see and do at Kakyo Park?

The park features multiple attractions including Konpira Shrine at the hilltop, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the winding pathways up the approximately 300-meter-high hill, discover 33 Buddhist statues in Iwashimizu, and visit the adjacent Okafuto Shrine founded by Emperor Keitai. The park also has Furusato-no Ie, a community space and cafe where you can rest and enjoy views of the seasonal scenery. A Noh stage within the grounds reflects the park's connection to the classical Hanagatami performance.

Why is the park called Kakyo?

The park's name derives from the famous Yokyoku (Noh) song called Hanagatami, which means "flower basket." The Noh dance, written during the Muromachi period and attributed to Zeami, tells the romantic story of Emperor Keitai and his lover Teruhi, whom he left behind in Echizen province when he departed for Kyoto to become the 26th emperor of Japan. This historical and cultural connection gives the park special significance as a place commemorating ancient Japanese literature and imperial history.

Fukui

Kakyo Park, Echizen

4.1 (222)ParkTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Kakyo Park in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, takes its name from the famous Yokyoku song Hanagatami, which depicts the romance between Emperor Keitai and the lover he left behind in Echizen province when he went to Kyoto to become the 26th emperor of Japan. The Noh dance Hanagatami, written in the Muromachi period and said to have been composed by Zeami, describes the encounter between Emperor Keitai and his lover Teruhi. The park features 33 Buddhist statues in Iwashimizu, Kotobiyama Observatory, grandson cherry blossoms, and Usuzumi cherry blossoms, with approximately 1,000 cherry trees across its grounds.

The park is one of the hidden spots for viewing autumn leaves, with its hillside covered in colorful maple trees offering spectacular seasonal displays. Spring brings equally impressive cherry blossom viewing when the trees are in full bloom. The park includes Konpira Shrine, located on the hilltop, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, particularly during autumn. The hill is approximately 300 meters high with a winding pathway that offers numerous photo opportunities along the ascent. Adjacent to the park stands Okafuto Shrine, founded by Emperor Keitai in prayer for successful flood control in Echizen Province.

Visitors can enjoy the park's community space Furusato-no Ie, which serves as both a community space and a cafe, providing a place to rest while taking in views of the seasonal scenery. The Hanagatami Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually in early April, attracting locals and visitors to celebrate the blooming season. The park's extensive pathways allow for leisurely walks through groves of cherry and maple trees, with fallen leaves creating picturesque carpets in autumn.

The park is open 24 hours daily throughout the year. Admission is free. The site is most easily accessed by car, with parking available on the grounds. Public transportation options to Echizen City are available via train from Fukui Station, though visitors should plan for additional local transport to reach the park itself. The nearby area is also known for traditional Echizen crafts, including the famous Paper Village, making it possible to combine a visit to Kakyo Park with exploration of the region's artisanal heritage.

Phone

+81 778-42-0361

Website

www.city.echizen.lg.jp

The area

Address

17 Awatabechō, Echizen, Fukui 915-0242, Japan

Phone

+81 778-42-0361

Website

www.city.echizen.lg.jp

What other travelers are saying about Kakyo Park, Echizen

nice place

Jakkapong M

Apr 14, 2019

It's a wonderful place, where Emperor Keitai lived for a long time 1,500 years ago and where there is a lot of history, such as Kuritabeokamoto Shrine, Kuriu-dera Temple, and Hanagaki Park. There are many things to see. There are also many festivals, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, the Autumn Leaves Festival in autumn, and regular festivals in February and October. The locals have worked hard. I would like to go and see the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves someday.

SAKURA太郎

Jan 13, 2026

I checked out Fukui's autumn foliage online and found Kakyo Park high on the list as a place I had never been to, so I drove there straight away. I climbed up to Kotohira Shrine, taking photos as I went, and the entire slope was a stunning sight, covered in a brilliant array of autumn leaves. I can already picture a landscape filled with cherry blossom-colored flowers next spring, and I'm looking forward to six months from now.

TETUO “nemariusi”

Nov 24, 2025

There are places related to Emperor Keitai, including Okamoto Shrine, and it is a wonderful place to see cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. It is a good idea to start from the parking lot of this park and explore around.

AKEMI

Dec 27, 2025

A famous spot in the northern Fukui region. My wife and I went out to see the autumn leaves. We were surprised to see that the road to the parking lot, as directed by Google Maps, was only wide enough for one car. Fortunately, we were lucky because there were no oncoming vehicles. However, I highly recommend checking the map before heading here and parking in a nearby parking lot accessible from the main road. As for the autumn leaves, as expected, 70% had already fallen in late November. The carpet of fallen leaves wasn't too bad, though. Even at this time of year, there were many people strolling around. This seems like a fairly large park. If we'd arrived a little earlier, we probably would have been able to see a better view.