Miyama Park

Miyama Park is a vast natural park covering 200 hectares in central Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, developed in the 1950s along National Route 30. The park extends across elevations ranging from 50 to 180 meters and features five ponds surrounded by pine-covered hills. It contains 150,000 flowering trees representing over 300 species, including approximately 7,000 cherry trees, plum trees, camellias, azaleas, and maples, establishing it as one of Okayama Prefecture's premier natural parks.

The park's seasonal appeal draws visitors year-round. Its collection of 7,000 cherry blossom trees is the largest in Okayama Prefecture, making spring particularly popular for hanami celebrations. The wisteria tunnel, featuring five different varieties, blooms from late April to early May, while autumn brings vibrant displays in Hanagi-en and Momiji Valley, typically starting in late October. The park's ponds, particularly Akamatsuike Pond, attract migratory waterfowl including swans and various duck species from October through March.

Miyama Park includes several key features: a cycling road stretching 3.6 kilometers, dog runs with separate areas for large and small breeds, putt-putt golf facilities, and spacious playgrounds for children. Bicycle rentals are available from the Miyama Center House, with rates covering three-hour periods. The adjacent Miyama Park Roadside Station provides dining options, fresh local produce, seafood markets, and a bakery, while serving as a convenient rest area for travelers.

Within the park grounds sits the Miyama English Garden, designed around the concept of a traditional 20th-century British garden. Admission to the English Garden costs 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children up to junior high school age, with free entry for preschool children and disabled guests. The garden features seasonally changing displays with roses particularly notable in June.

By train, take the JR Uno Line from Okayama Station to Bizen-Tai Station, approximately 45 minutes, then a 3-minute bus ride to the park. By bus, take a direct service from JR Okayama Station bound for Tamano, arriving at Miyamakōen Iriguchi stop in approximately 40 minutes. From Bizen-Tai Station, the park is a 20-minute walk. Entry to Miyama Park itself is free, with ample parking available for those traveling by car. The park remains open daily except Wednesdays and the year-end period from December 29 to January 3.