Mogamigawa Furusato Comprehensive Park

Mogamigawa Furusato Comprehensive Park is a prefectural urban park located in Sagae City in central Yamagata Prefecture, designed around the theme of experiencing Yamagata's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park opened in April 2000 as Japan's 13th Highway Oasis, integrating with the Sagae Service Area on the Tohoku Odan Expressway. In 2002, it served as one of the main venues for the 19th National Urban Greenery Fair, cementing its role as a significant regional recreational destination.

The park sits alongside the Mogami River, with panoramic views of Mount Gassan, Mount Zao, and the Asahi Mountain Range forming a dramatic backdrop. The park cultivates cherry trees and other fruit trees, reflecting Yamagata's status as Japan's leading cherry producer. The centerpiece is a glass-walled Center House designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Naito, surrounded by seasonal flower displays and walking paths through the Fruit Garden area. The park features Rainbow Hill, offering elevated viewpoints across the surrounding agricultural landscape and mountain ranges.

Visitors can enjoy diverse recreational facilities including a 30-meter-long slide and combination playground equipment for children, making it popular with families. The park operates one of Tohoku's largest skateparks, accommodating skateboards, inline skates, and BMX bikes, and includes a free dog run facility. The park also features a park golf course and picnic areas. Cultural festivals and seasonal events are held throughout the year, celebrating regional heritage and agricultural traditions.

The park is accessible by car via the Sagae Smart Interchange (ETC vehicles only) on the Yamagata Expressway, located approximately 1 minute from the exit, or about 5 minutes by taxi from JR Sagae Station. General visitors can use parking facilities with capacity for 478 vehicles in the second parking lot. Visitors arriving by car should exit at Sagae Service Area or nearby interchanges on the Yamagata Expressway.